Chapter 70: The Patriot
Eleazar shut the car door, his gaze lifting to the large bay windows of the main room, glowing warmly with light. As he paused to listen, he caught the sound of laughter—Kate's distinctive chuckle mixed with Bella's boisterous laugh. He turned to Carmen with a smile. "Sounds like the girls are home and getting along well. See, I told you there was nothing to worry about. Come, let's go join them."
Carmen watched as her husband circled the car, extending his arm toward her with an affectionate smile. She slipped her arm through his, and they started up the wide stone steps together. The laughter drifting from inside did ease her concerns, and she felt a wave of relief settle over her. She'd been worried since they left that Tanya might stir up some trouble. She remembered all too well how taken Tanya had been with Edward during his first visit.
Eleazar held the door open for her, and as they stepped into the entryway, he closed it quietly behind them. They quickly slipped off their jackets, hanging them up before moving toward the living room. Inside, they found everyone gathered around the fireplace, relaxing on the sofas, faces lit by the warm glow of the fire. Edward was mid-story, and from the looks of it, he was spinning quite a tale—Bella had her hands over her face in apparent embarrassment, her laughter muffled behind her fingers.
Noticing Eleazar and Carmen's arrival, Edward paused, offering them a welcoming smile, his eyes bright with amusement.
"Eleazar, Carmen, come join us," he called, gesturing to the seats nearby. "I was just starting to tell the story of when I met Bella's mother."
Eleazar's eyebrows shot up in surprise, curiosity lighting up his face as he exchanged a glance with Carmen. What sort of story could this be? Most vampires' families were long gone, and convention usually dictated breaking off all contact with human relatives if they still lived. Bella had mentioned her father earlier, but not her mother. Intrigued, he and Carmen moved toward the group, settling in comfortably beside the sisters.
Kate looked relaxed, her laughter from earlier still lingering in her smile, but as Eleazar took his seat, he noted the contrasting expressions on her sisters' faces. Tanya's gaze was blank, almost detached, as if her mind were elsewhere, while Irina wore a look of unmistakable unease. He made a mental note to ask them later if something was wrong, but for now, he turned his attention back to Edward, eager to hear the story and see what had everyone so engaged.
Eleazar was laughing heartily as Edward wrapped up his story, his laughter, along with everyone else's, rumbling through the room. The way Edward had described his panicked thoughts as Renée approached him—her hand stretching toward him with unabashed enthusiasm—was priceless. Bella joined in, clearly taking the story in stride, her laughter blending with the others' as she shook her head at the memory.
As the laughter subsided, Eleazar found himself still smiling, his thoughts drifting to his old friend. He hadn't spoken to Jean Paul in years, and the idea of reconnecting struck him as long overdue. The chance to meet Jean Paul's wife—Bella's mother, Renée—was something he looked forward to, though with the caveat, of course, that he avoid any physical contact with her. Dios mío!
As Edward sat beside Bella, his laughter mingling with the others', the night had taken on a festive, almost party-like atmosphere, with everyone sharing humorous stories from their pasts. He could admit freely that he was enjoying this visit far more than his first trip here with Carlisle. He wasn't sure what had changed, but he felt different. It was as though the mental shackles that had once held him captive had fallen away, leaving him free to act however he wanted. And he very much liked the person he was becoming.
He leaned in, captivated, as Bella launched into tales from her recent college experiences, her stories full of unexpected twists and sometimes hilariously embarrassing moments. It seemed he wasn't the only one who had a knack for finding himself in strange situations. Each of her stories revealed new layers of her personality, painting a fuller picture of the world she lived in—so far removed from the one he'd known. The scenes she described would have been unimaginable for a woman in his time, and it thrilled him to see how much the world had changed, allowing Bella the freedom to be unapologetically herself.
Edward had worried that the incident with Tanya might cast a shadow over their visit, but to his relief, Bella seemed to have put the whole thing behind her; her laughter and lighthearted demeanor suggested she had no intention of letting Tanya's actions ruin their time here. If Bella wasn't going to make an issue of it or hold a grudge, then he resolved he wouldn't either—though he certainly had no plans to be alone with Tanya anytime soon.
He could understand the initial confusion on Tanya's part, her mistaken belief that they'd somehow been communicating during the encounter. But the things she'd said, and the brazen way she'd acted afterward, were not something he would forget or easily forgive.
The chance to ask Bella what had really transpired afterward hadn't come up yet, but he had gathered enough from small hints and glances to sense that something significant had happened while he'd been occupied upstairs. The way Tanya now avoided Bella's gaze, as if meeting it might spark something she wasn't prepared to face, was telling. Bella, for her part, had dropped a few casual remarks about it, nothing too revealing, but enough to leave him more than curious.
It was well past midnight when Edward sensed that the gathering was breaking up. Kate's phone rang—surprisingly with a catchy tune instead of a traditional ring—and she quickly excused herself with a wide grin, heading upstairs to take the call in private. Eleazar, watching her go, leaned over with a chuckle. "She's been missing her boyfriend terribly," he explained, "he's been away for over a month, and the distance has been hard on her." Edward nodded in understanding, his gaze following Kate as she disappeared down the second-floor hallway.
A moment later, he noticed Bella exchange a nod with Carmen, who rose to go see what was bothering Irina, who had quietly slipped out a few minutes earlier. As Carmen walked away, Edward knew this was the opening he'd been waiting for.
He leaned in, his voice low. "So, Bella," he murmured, catching her attention as she turned to him, her ruby eyes bright, eager for anything he might say. Her expression gave him the confidence to continue as he gazed into her eyes. "Would you like to come to my room for a little while… to talk?"
Bella giggled, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Talk, huh…" She let the question hang, watching as Edward shifted slightly, his anticipation clear. After a beat, she put him out of his misery. "No… I think I've seen enough of your room. How about you come to mine instead, and we'll just call it our room for the rest of our stay, if that's okay with you?" She raised an eyebrow, her tone playful. "No offense, but I think I'd rather keep an eye on you—make sure there are no more misunderstandings… at least none that don't include me."
The suggestion sparked something in him, and he nodded eagerly, standing quickly as he extended his hand. Bella took it, rising with a smile, and with a nod to Eleazar, they slipped away, walking briskly up the stairs toward her room. As they reached the door, Edward was about to close it behind him when Carmen's sharp voice suddenly rang out from downstairs, laced with anger. "Tanya did what?!"
Exchanging a quick, relieved look with Bella, he shut the door, grateful to be well out of earshot of that conversation. When he turned back, she was already seated on her bed, a wide smile playing on her lips and a look that was nothing short of inviting.
Bella sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on Edward across the room as he closed and locked the door with a soft, definitive click. The air between them felt electric, every second building her anticipation higher. All night, she'd kept up the guise of a polite guest, but now, finally alone, she let herself lean fully into the thrill coursing through her. She'd been thinking about this—about him—all evening. Their intimacy from the previous night had been intense, addictive even, and she wanted nothing more than to dive back into that with him.
Edward's eyes met hers, a confident smile curving his lips as he walked toward her. That spark of confidence made her breath hitch, and by the time he reached her, she was practically vibrating with excitement. Without breaking their gaze, he leaned down, sweeping her into his arms as he stretched out beside her, his movements slow, almost teasing, his fingers slipping through her hair. His lips claimed hers with a raw intensity, deep and hungry, tasting every inch of her, as if he were savoring the moment just as much as she was. He tasted intoxicating, and Bella let herself melt into the heat of his kiss, her hands threading through his hair, pulling him closer.
As they continued, Bella shifted, rolling on top of him, her body pressing against his as she traced her hands down his chest, feeling the firmness of his muscles beneath her fingers. A low, satisfied moan escaped her lips, and she tilted her head back, gasping as his mouth moved to her neck. His kisses were slow and deliberate, each one sending a ripple of warmth through her. His mouth lingered, hot against her skin as he sucked gently, his teeth grazing her throat, leaving a trail of tingling sensation in his wake.
She felt him growing bolder, his hands traveling down her back, pulling her even closer against him, and a shiver of excitement washed over her. This assertive side of Edward was thrilling, and the way he held her made her feel claimed, wanted in a way she hadn't experienced before. Bella pressed her body against him, as he continued his exploration, their breaths mingling in the heat that filled the room.
Bella smiled, feeling Edward Jr. pressing firmly against her midsection. They had said they'd visit for a bit, but she couldn't deny her own desire to take their relationship all the way. Still, despite the calm after the earlier drama, she wasn't about to go that far with other vampires in earshot. She put those thoughts aside as Edward gently pulled her back down, his lips returning to hers with unmistakable intent.
Edward felt his excitement building, every nerve heightened as he kissed Bella with a hunger that seemed to deepen with each passing moment. It was all so new, so electric, and the way Bella responded, her soft sighs and eager movements meeting him with equal fervor, assured him that whatever he was doing, it was working. The sensation of her breasts pressed against his chest only fueled the fire within him, and he found himself craving more, wondering how it would feel to touch her fully.
His mind raced, teetering on the line between restraint and need, but instinct told him Bella would speak up if he did anything she didn't like. Gathering his courage, he tentatively brought his hand up, letting his fingers trail over her side before gently cupping her left breast. The heat of her through the fabric sent a jolt straight through him, and he felt Bella break their kiss, her head tilting back as she moaned, "Oh god, yes. More, Edward."
It was all the encouragement he needed. Driven by her words, his hand began to explore with a newfound confidence, every touch purposeful, savoring every inch of her. He'd never touched a woman like this before, and the softness of her breasts captivated him—their warmth, their fullness, his large hand barely able to encompass the curve of her. The gentle weight, the way her body moved to meet his touch, left him spellbound. As he kneaded tenderly, each caress seemed to draw a deeper breath from her, her body pressing instinctively closer, responding to his every movement with an intensity that matched his own wonder.
For now, he didn't need to lift her shirt or rush into anything more. The thrill of discovery, of feeling her in his hands, was intoxicating enough. He wanted to savor every second, letting himself learn her body with a reverence that bordered on awe, waiting patiently until she was ready for more.
Bella was in absolute heaven. For hours, she and Edward explored each other with unrestrained curiosity, their hands roaming, mouths locked in lingering, breath-stealing kisses. His particular fascination with her breasts only added to her delight, and why shouldn't it? They were real, and they were spectacular, every touch of his fingers sparking new waves of excitement through her. Between their heated make-out sessions, they'd pause to talk, their conversation feeling just as intimate as their bodies pressed together. She was glad Edward didn't seem fazed by the whole incident with Tanya. She couldn't blame him for initially enjoying it—he must have been in heaven, thinking it was her doing the yanking.
She fully intended to outdo Tanya when the time was right, to give Edward the release that Tanya had failed to coax out of him. It still amazed her that he'd somehow held out, resisting the urge to let go. But one thing was certain: when they finally crossed that line, breaking down his impressive stamina would be no challenge for her—and it was a victory she was already savoring over her hapless rival.
As they talked, they decided they would head out the next day. The anticipation between them was nearly unbearable, and she sensed that Edward was just as eager to take things further. After all, they still had her father to visit—and then, of course, the Cullens.
With dawn just starting to peek through the clouds, Bella lay back on the bed beside Edward, catching her breath, her body still buzzing with energy. Last night had been the most thrillingly intense—if sexually frustrating—experience of her life. She and Edward had gone further than ever, their touches and kisses growing deeper and more fervent until it took every ounce of willpower not to cross that final line. And yet, that tease, that deliciously slow build, only made her crave him more.
Turning her head, she met Edward's gaze, his eyes mirroring hers with the same elated excitement and hunger. His lips curved into a grin that matched her own, both of them basking in this new level of closeness. She felt his hand slide across her stomach, his fingers tracing gentle circles that sent shivers up her spine. His mouth brushed against her neck, his breath warm as he began to softly kiss and suck along her skin, while his hand drifted upward, his fingers gently cupping and kneading her breasts. He was clearly a breast man, and she was more than delighted with that discovery, her body instinctively arching closer, savoring each tender touch.
Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. Giggling, she leaned away, catching his hand and whispering breathlessly, "Stop, Edward… you're killing me here." She shot him a playful grin, trying to steady herself. "Let's go downstairs and join the others—spend a little more time with everyone before we head out later. We'll have plenty of time for this… and trust me, we'll be getting back to this and a whole lot more." She gave him a mischievous look, knowing her cheeks would be flushed if it were possible. "God, that was amazing."
Edward felt a quiet satisfaction hearing Bella echo his own thoughts; he was more than glad they were on the same page. With a reluctant sigh, he stood, extending his hand to her. Bella's smile was radiant as she accepted, rising gracefully. After a quick check in the mirror to ensure they looked presentable, they headed downstairs together.
As they entered the main room, sunlight streamed through the large bay windows, casting a warm glow. Carmen was seated by the window, immersed in a book. Just as they took a step toward her, a soft throat-clearing sound came from behind. Edward turned, his gaze landing on Tanya standing by the doorway, her posture tense but composed.
Meeting his eyes, she hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping before lifting to meet his again. "Excuse me… Edward, Bella, could I speak with you for a moment?" Her tone was measured, almost careful.
Edward glanced at Bella, noting the piercing look in her eyes, a look he recognized from when she was sizing up her prey. Taking his cue from her, he turned back to Tanya and nodded in agreement. He and Bella moved toward the sofa, settling side by side, while Tanya lowered herself onto the seat across from them, her posture tense, as if bracing for whatever was to come.
"I wanted to formally apologize for my actions the other day. My words and deeds were unforgivable, and I'm sorry. I have no excuse other than... I got carried away." Tanya's voice was subdued, her tone a shade of humility Edward hadn't heard from her before. "I can see now that you're together. Had I known that from the start, my actions would have been different. I hope, in time, you might be able to forgive me." She kept her gaze lowered, genuinely contrite.
Bella glanced at Edward, willing to take her cue from him on how he wanted to proceed. Tanya's words meant little to her; Edward was the one who had been wronged. The decision to forgive, to move past this, belonged to him. She held his gaze, silently offering support, until he finally spoke.
"Thank you for apologizing," he said, his voice steady but guarded. "I also hope, in time, we can put the incident behind us. I'll try."
Tanya nodded, her expression holding a measure of relief. "Thank you, Edward." She turned briefly to Bella, murmuring, "Bella," in acknowledgment before standing up, her steps quick as she retreated toward the stairs, disappearing in the direction of her room.
As the tension in the room faded, Edward turned to Bella, who met his gaze with a soft smile, nodding her approval of his response. The storm had passed—at least for now.
The rest of the visit passed enjoyably, but eventually, it came time to say goodbye. Kate had offered to drive them back to Anchorage, where she'd be picking up her boyfriend, who was finally returning after a long absence. As Bella bid her farewells, she felt satisfied that the rest of their stay had been smooth.
One of the best moments had been a long, exhilarating run with everyone to one of the highest peaks in the area, where she and Edward had been treated to a stunning view the others insisted was among the most breathtaking in the world. Bella had to admit—it was something special. She'd even enjoyed surprising the others by keeping everyone's sparkles at bay for the entire trek—a feat that seemed to leave them all impressed. The icy tension from earlier seemed to have thawed, and even Tanya, subdued the previous day after her smackdown, had joined in the laughter and stories during their descent.
Of the three Denali sisters, Bella found herself most drawn to Kate, whose humor aligned with hers—sharp-edged and quick to see the absurdities around them. Tanya, on the other hand, was another story entirely. While the run had helped ease some of the tension, Bella doubted she'd ever fully forgive Tanya for her earlier words and actions. Still, she resolved to make an effort—eternity was far too long to be bogged down by petty grudges, especially with someone like Tanya. Irina? Well, she was… okay. But her personality struck Bella as somewhat bland. Plus, she hadn't laughed at any of her stories, so something clearly had to be wrong with her.
As they entered the bustling airport, Kate's excitement was almost tangible. The ride from Denali had been filled with stories about her boyfriend, whom she hadn't seen in over a month. She'd checked her phone every few minutes, and when his last text came through, letting her know he'd just landed, she could barely keep herself from pressing harder on the gas pedal. Now, her eyes scanned the crowd, brushing past hurried travelers and families until they found a familiar, tall figure moving toward her, grinning just as broadly.
Her heart swelled as she broke into a run, her delighted squeal cutting through the airport's hum. She flew into his open arms as he lifted her effortlessly, their embrace deepening into a kiss that left no room for restraint. Kate felt herself melt against him, her hands gripping his shoulders as he held her, both of them lost in the moment. Oblivious to the curious glances of passersby, she let herself indulge completely in his touch, feeling whole once more, the world around them fading to a blur as she held him close.
Kate had truly missed Garrett. Now, with his lips on hers and his arms wrapped securely around her, the emptiness of the past month faded away. The longer they kissed, the more she felt herself coming back to life, each touch grounding her in a way only he could. Before Garrett, she hadn't understood what it meant to feel complete, but now, she knew without a doubt—he was it for her.
She held him tightly, their bodies pressed together, savoring the warmth and closeness she'd been craving. They stayed locked in that embrace for what felt like an eternity, but eventually, she knew she had to pull back. Reluctantly, she broke the kiss, her breaths coming out in soft, unsteady sighs.
Stepping back, she smiled up at him, her gaze lingering on his familiar ruby-red eyes, feeling that spark of connection that made everything right again. Only then did she remember they weren't alone. Smiling sheepishly, she glanced over at Bella, who gave her an approving thumbs-up, making her grin. Reaching for Garrett's hand, she turned to guide him over to the others, feeling a surge of pride as she led him forward.
"Garrett, I'd like to introduce you to—" But before she could finish, Garrett cut her off.
"Edward?" Garrett arched a brow, his gaze filled with cautious disbelief as he studied the man before him. The familiar unruly mop of copper hair and sharp features were just like the photo he'd seen. It had to be him. Shocked, Garrett's thoughts raced, wondering if Carlisle had any idea that Edward was alive. "I never thought I'd run into you. I was certain you were dead."
Edward's confusion was apparent as he regarded Garrett, searching his face. Kate had mentioned her boyfriend on the drive over, but he'd been confident he'd never met the man before. "Have we… met?"
"No, we haven't," Garrett replied, shaking his head, still trying to reconcile what he was seeing. "But I'm close with Carlisle. After you vanished, he asked me to keep an ear out for any trace of you, any sightings or rumors. I'm a bit more plugged into the broader vampire world than he is, so I did what I could." He paused, shaking his head at the memory. "I made inquiries everywhere through the 1930s, but by the mid-1940s, we both had to conclude you were gone." Garrett's gaze held Edward's, as if trying to bridge the gap to the present. "So… where have you been hiding all this time? And… does Carlisle know you're alive?"
"We're actually on our way to hopefully visit with Carlisle now. I, uh... just got out of prison," Edward admitted. A mixture of emotions passed through him as he spoke—relief, surprise, and a hint of regret. Learning that Carlisle had continued to search for him all those years after he'd been captured—even after he'd turned his back on everything Carlisle stood for—struck a chord deep within him. "We're planning on surprising him," he added, a faint smile as he squeezed Bella's hand and smiled at her.
It was then that Garrett realized he'd spoken out of turn in his shock, cutting in before Kate could finish the introductions. He turned to the woman at Edward's side, giving her an apologetic smile. "Excuse my manners. I'm Kate's knucklehead of a boyfriend. And with whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?" He extended a hand, which she took with an assured grip.
"It's nice to meet you, Garrett. I'm Bella Swan."
Garrett's eyes widened as she introduced herself. So this was Bella. He had, of course, heard of her, but to see her standing in front of him—the illustrious Starshield herself—was something else entirely. Glancing between her and Edward, he felt a rush of realization as everything began to click into place.
"Prison, you say? I should have guessed… fucking Volturi. The one place I couldn't set foot in," Garrett lamented, shaking his head, frustration clear in his tone. "I've been persona non grata there for centuries." The thought of those arrogant pricks in Volterra still made his blood boil. If only they could be brought back to life just to be taken out again.
His gaze shifted to Bella, taking her in fully. "Then I suppose we have you to thank for Edward's early release?" he remarked, studying the striking vampire before him. He'd hoped to cross paths with her one day, but seeing her in person exceeded all his expectations. He never would have guessed that the most deadly person in the world stood before him, wrapped up in such an appealing guise.
"I've heard a lot about you, Ms. Swan," he continued, his voice sincere. "It's a pleasure to finally put a face to all the stories I've heard. You have my unending gratitude for what you did in Volterra."
Bella smiled at the charming vampire, quickly seeing what Kate found so appealing. "So, who's been spilling my secrets to you, Garrett?" she asked with a grin, her tone light but curious.
During Garrett and Kate's prolonged reunion, Bella had taken the opportunity to study him closely. He was tall, perhaps a shade taller than Edward, his frame solidly built, with a bearing that suggested he'd seen and done his share of rough living long before becoming a vampire. He appeared older, maybe closer to thirty when he was changed. His dark brown hair was tied back loosely, lending him a casual, roguish air, and a couple of days' worth of stubble shadowed his jawline, adding a touch of ruggedness that completed the look.
In her mind, she already had him outfitted as a pirate—only an eye patch was missing, and he'd be every bit the leading man from a movie, the kind that would have every girl swooning.
"I'm good friends with Peter and Char. They've mentioned you plenty of times over the years. Before I met and fell in love with Kate, I think Char even had it in her head to set us up," Garrett said with an innocent smile, though it quickly faded as Kate's head snapped toward him, eyebrows raised, her gaze narrowing. Realizing a bit too late that he probably should've kept that tidbit to himself, he quickly pulled her closer, pressing a series of light, apologetic kisses along her neck and murmuring soft reassurances into her ear. She relaxed, her expression softening as he whispered, and he looked up with a sheepish grin, meeting Bella and Edward's amused expressions.
Garrett's keen eyes caught Bella's pinky finger as it brushed lightly against Edward's—a subtle, unconscious touch that spoke volumes. Love was clearly in the air all around, now that the shadow of the Volturi were gone. "After your exploits in Italy," he continued, turning his attention back to Bella, "Peter and Char contacted me and asked if I'd start spreading the word of the Volturi's downfall. I was already on the East Coast for business, so I spent the last few weeks visiting covens and nomads along the eastern seaboard, letting them know about the upcoming change in leadership."
At the mention of new leadership, Edward's interest piqued. "Have you heard anything about who might replace them?"
Garrett's eyes brightened, clearly invigorated by the topic. "In about two months, there's going to be a gathering at the castle, open to all vampires. Right now, the plan seems to be a ruling council made up of representatives from several prominent covens, with a real chance for elections down the line. They're actually talking about a democratic system." He shook his head, a grin spreading across his face. "I've been pushing for reforms like this for centuries, which is one of the many reasons I was never welcome in Volterra. But to see it actually happening… it's incredible. And it's all thanks to you, Bella."
Kate turned toward Garrett, wrapping him in a warm hug, her smile affectionate. "My patriot," she teased, resting her head on his shoulder before glancing over at Bella. "Did you know Garrett here fought in the American Revolution? Fortunately, fate brought us together almost a decade ago." She gave him an amused look, adding, "Now, if only I could convince him to switch to our diet… then he wouldn't have to travel far and wide just to quench his thirst."
Garrett chuckled, giving Kate a playful smile. "Sorry, honey, but that's never going to happen." His gaze shifted to Edward, noting the subtle orange hue in his eyes. "So, Edward, are you going back to Carlisle's teachings? He'd mentioned you'd set out to experience life as a 'real' vampire." He cast a teasing glance at Kate, who looked ready to retort, and winked to assure her he was only joking.
Edward shook his head, a hint of reluctance crossing his expression. "Ah, no, I'm not. Don't ask. It's… not a good story."
Garrett nodded in understanding, his curiosity tempered by Edward's tone. Turning to Bella, he couldn't help but inquire, "And what about you, Bella? Will you be attending the gathering? A lot of vampires are eager to meet the woman who ended Aro's reign of tyranny. I wouldn't be surprised if many wanted you as a member on the ruling council."
While Bella appreciated Garrett's optimism about the future of vampire governance, she had no desire to get involved in anything political. "Ah, no. I have zero interest in taking on any kind of ruling position," she replied, grinning. "I'm still young and have barely begun to live my life. Let's let the old fogies like you and Kate take a crack at it." She threw them a mischievous smirk, amused by their looks of outrage.
"Let's just hope whoever steps up doesn't try to follow in the Volturi's footsteps," she added with a playful smile. "I'd hate to have to go back there."
Garrett found Bella quite intriguing. It was refreshing to meet someone who, despite possessing the power to quite literally rule the world, chose to turn away from it. This spoke volumes about her character, and he saw promising things in her future. Personally, he hoped she would continue saving people as Starshield; witnessing her extraordinary display of heroism on television had been one of the most incredible things he'd ever seen.
Garrett couldn't shake the belief that having a respected and popular vampire role model in the public eye could only be beneficial—especially if the day ever came when vampires were exposed to the world. Giving Bella an approving nod, he remarked, "I understand. Well, wish us luck, then. A democracy is quite a special thing."
Bella added wryly, "If you can keep it."
Garrett chuckled, his eyes bright with amusement. "You know, I knew Ben Franklin back when I was human. Good man, mind sharp as a tack—and a surprising knack for telling the dirtiest jokes."
Bella laughed, while her gaze shifted to the clock on the wall. Time had slipped away from them, and she realized they still needed to check in for their flight. Turning to Kate and Garrett, her expression softened. "Well, it's been a pleasure meeting you, Garrett," she said with a genuine smile. Then, facing Kate, her tone lightened. "Let's definitely plan to hang out sometime. But for now, we should be going—we've got a plane to catch."
With a gentle squeeze of Edward's hand, she added, "Good luck with the gathering. If my support means anything, feel free to pass along my endorsement for a ruling council and the idea of a democratic vampire government. Just remind them to be leaders everyone can be proud of."
Garrett nodded with a friendly smile. "Will do. It was nice meeting you, Bella," he said, giving her a genuine nod of respect before turning to Edward. "And Edward, it's good to see you well." He paused, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. "Please pass along my greetings to Carlisle. It's been too long since I last visited with him and his family. Let him know I'll be giving him a call before the gathering. Even though he might not be eager to get involved, I'll still share my thoughts on how this could be a fresh beginning for our kind. And who knows… maybe I can convince him that his insight would be more than welcome."
"I'll let him know," Edward promised, giving Garrett's hand a firm, respectful shake. Turning to Kate, he offered a warm smile. "It was good seeing you again, Kate. Take care."
Kate returned his smile. "You too, Edward. Safe travels to both of you."
Bella waved goodbye to Kate and Garrett as they left the terminal, her fingers still entwined with Edward's. Turning to him, she flashed a mischievous smile. "So, are you ready for what comes next?"
Edward's gaze softened as he looked down at her, his own smile widening. "More than ready," he murmured. "We've got an interesting few days ahead—visiting your father, and then, arguably, my vampire father," he said with a smirk, his hands settling gently on her sides, just above her hips. His touch lingered like a subtle promise, and a flicker of excitement gleamed in his eyes. "And, of course, we'll finally be alone... without an audience," he added, his voice low as he searched her gaze, anticipation sparking between them.
Bella's grin widened, catching the glint in his eye. "Oh, you're absolutely right, Mr. Masen. Imagine all the trouble we could get into." She tugged playfully on his shirt, pulling him closer, and in one swift movement, she pressed her lips to his, the kiss deepening almost instantly. Their mouths met with intensity, each kiss hungrier than the last. Her hands slipped up to his neck, fingers curling into his hair as their tongues collided in a fiery exchange, neither of them willing to break first.
When they finally did pull apart, Bella couldn't hold back her breathless grin. "Well, I'd say that's a pretty promising start to our next adventure," she teased. "But for now, let's go check in." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she took his hand, squeezing it as they walked toward the check-in counter, each step charged with an electric anticipation for everything that lay ahead for them in Seattle and beyond.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! The next chapter is one I found quite fun to write, and I doubt anyone will be expecting it.
Bella and Edward are definitely getting pretty hot 'n' heavy, and just to let everyone breathe a sigh of relief—they'll be going all the way before meeting the Cullens, but after their visit to Forks. I enjoy reading your comments.