Tanya turned out to be the best aid for sleep I could ask for. I was asleep within minutes of her holding me. Even though I didn't sleep a lot, when I woke up, I felt okay. Tired but still functional.

"Morning Bella," Tanya greeted as soon as she noticed I was awake.

My whiteboard was on the bed already. She was good at anticipating my needs. Morning. What time is it?

"Just before six," Tanya replied. "Did you sleep okay?

Best sleep I've had in a while, I admitted. Thank you for coming. With everything that happened yesterday…well you didn't have to.

Tanya shook her head. "Yes, I did," she disagreed. "You needed me. I will always come if you need me."

I laid my head on her chest, over her long dead heart. It was strange never hearing a heartbeat. It was the same with Edward. But with Edward, it didn't bother me that I couldn't feel his heartbeat. He was always so…mythical that it made sense. With Tanya, it was different. A part of me hated the lack of heartbeat. It made me feel like she wasn't real, that she wasn't here. It hurt to even imagine.

"Are you okay Bella?" Tanya asked concerned. "You're upset, did I do something?"

I shook my head. You didn't do anything. I was thinking about your heartbeat or rather, lack of heartbeat.

Tanya frowned. "Does that bother you?"

Not in the way you're thinking. It has nothing to do with you being a vampire. I just… sometimes I think you're going to disappear and then I'll be all alone again.

Tanya gently cupped my face. "I'm not going anywhere Bella," she promised. "I told you once and I will tell you every day if that's what you need. I will never leave you. I can't leave you. That discomfort you feel when we're far apart, I feel that only its ten times worse for me."

Why do you cause yourself pain? If you need to be close, why stay away?

"I do it for you," Tanya said. "When we first met, you didn't want to be near me. I wanted to respect that. I still do. Your comfort, your happiness, it will always come first for me."

And if I wanted you here?

She didn't have a chance to answer as Charlie knocked on my door. "Bells, you up? You're going to be late for work."

He didn't wait for an answer, knowing one wouldn't come. He pushed the door open and froze at what he saw. "What…" he couldn't finish whatever it was he wanted to say.

His eyes darted between the two of us. His eyes flickered to the blankets that covered us both. I realized then what he was thinking. It did look like we could have been undressed underneath the blankets. I blushed, which certainly did not help our case.

"It's not what you think Charlie," Tanya said calmly. She sat up, letting the blanket drop revealing her in a tank top and yoga pants and me, wearing my normal pajamas. "She texted me last night. She couldn't sleep and I make it easier for her. So, I came."

I nodded in agreement. "How did you get in?" Charlie asked suspiciously. "I was up until midnight and I never heard the front door."

"The window," Tanya replied, pointing to the now closed window.

Charlie's eyes widened in surprise. "We're on the second floor," he muttered.

"Vampire Charlie," Tanya reminded him gently. "There's really nothing that can stop me from getting to Bella if she needs me."

"Bells, you should probably get ready for work, or you're going to be late," Charlie told me. I could tell he was still uncomfortable.

Don't fight. I showed them both the message.

Tanya touched my cheek. "There will be no fighting," she promised. "Go, get ready. I have to leave to get my car."

I got out of bed, grabbed my clothes on the desk chair and headed to the bathroom. I didn't want to leave the two of them alone. Charlie was trying to give Tanya the benefit of the doubt but it wasn't easy for him. I felt the same when I first met Tanya so I understood where he was coming from.

I knew Tanya wouldn't do anything to Charlie. She wouldn't hurt anyone unless they threatened me. But I didn't want to know what would happen if Charlie tried to forbid me from seeing her. It wouldn't work, I knew that much. Tanya couldn't stay away from me anymore than I could stay away from her. It would cause us both too much pain. I didn't think Charlie would go that far but he was also still coping with his newfound knowledge of vampires. I doubted he understood vampire mating any more than I did.

I showered quickly. I didn't like the idea of leaving Charlie and Tanya alone together for too long. I knew she was gone long before I saw my empty bedroom. I felt her leave, not long after I got in the shower. Now there was a sense of nothing, until she got close enough for the pull to reestablish itself.

I grabbed my things and headed downstairs. Charlie was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee.

How did your talk go?

Charlie frowned. "It was…interesting," he said slowly. I raised an eyebrow at him. He shook his head. "Ask her. I'm sure she'll tell you."

A few minutes later I felt the pull once again. My hand went to my chest. It was slower than usual, because she was driving. "Does it hurt?" Charlie asked curious.

No. It's more of a reminder that she's close by. It's comforting when she's close. When she's away, it's like there's something missing. Before I didn't know what it was, but now I do.

"I don't like this," Charlie admitted. "It feels like you have no choice in the matter."

I do have a choice Dad. All Tanya has done since the moment I met her, is give me a choice. If I wanted to be a vampire she would support it. If I wanted to be human, I know it would hurt her, but still she would support it. For the first time in a while, I'm in charge of my own destiny.

"I wish I could have saved you from all of this," Charlie said.

We talked about this Dad. There's nothing you could have done. Fate has tied me to Tanya. There is nothing that could change that. You know I was thinking about going to college here?

"Really?" Charlie asked surprised. It was obvious he didn't believe I was thinking about college.

I nodded. It was back around the time I started dating Edward, back when I wanted to be a vampire. Even after he left, I was considering college around here. I don't know, I think no matter what you or I did, I was always going to meet Tanya. It was just a matter of time. There was a pause as the bond settled. She's here, I should go.

"Have a good day at work," Charlie called as I left the house.

"Hello Bella," Tanya greeted as I got into her car.

Her hair was wet. She must have showered when she went home. I signed a hello and settled into the comfortable seat.

What did you talk to Charlie about?

"Nothing bad," Tanya assured me. "He… he asked me to use the front door next time. I believe he wants a warning before finding me in your bed again."

I blushed. I know she noticed but she didn't say anything. He didn't forbid you from coming over?

"I'm sure he was considering it," Tanya said. "But I think he realized it was pointless. Or maybe he realized that forbidding me from coming over would only cause you pain."

We pulled in front of the coffee shop a few minutes later. For the first time, I really wasn't looking forward to work.

"I'll be back when you're off work," Tanya told me. "Unless you'd rather have Irina drive you home?"

It was probably smarter to let Irina drive me home. Not only did it make more sense but it would put distance between Tanya and I. It was painful to think about but it was safer. The more time I spent with Tanya, the more I got sucked in to all of this. At this point, I wondered if it were too late for me.

I glanced at Tanya. She sat there patiently, waiting for my response. I should have nodded. I should have agreed to let Irina drive me but instead, I shook my head, because deep down I knew I wanted to spend time with Tanya.

"Okay," Tanya said. She sounded relieved. "I'll be back around three. If you need me before then, let me know."

I got out of her car and headed to the store. As usual, Irina was there and ready.

"Good morning Bella," Irina greeted.

I signed a quick hello and went to the back to get my apron. I threw my hair up into a messy bun and decided to make myself a nice latte.

"How did you sleep?" Irina asked.

I froze, my hand hovering over the machine. She had to have known that Tanya stayed the night with me. Was she suggesting that we did…something? Did she know about the sort of kiss?

"Tanya mentioned you were having trouble sleeping and that's why she went over," Irina elaborated.

I sighed. Of course, Tanya hadn't said anything about that kiss. I felt guilty for thinking so badly about her. I should have known better.

I couldn't fall asleep, not until she showed up, I wrote as I waited for my latte. I don't get why I'm struggling so much. Do you think it's the bond?

"I don't think so," Irina answered slowly. "At least not in the way you're thinking. Do you want my opinion?" I nodded. "I think the very thought of the bond is stressing you out. You're so caught up in what it means for you and for Tanya that you're not letting it be."

Her words made a lot more sense than I expected, or liked. So, what would you do?

"You're focusing too much on the mating bond," Irina said. "I get why but you need to remember, you're human. There's no pressure." She paused to study my face. "Is that the problem? Is Tanya pressuring you? I will kick her ass all the way to Canada if she is."

No, I hastily scrawled. I was touched by Irina's defense of me but it was wholly unnecessary. Tanya has done nothing wrong. She's more patient than I deserve.

"We'll never forgive the Cullen's for abandoning you," Irina said matter-of-factly. I looked away.

I didn't have a chance to respond as the morning rush started. I was eternally grateful for that as I didn't know how to respond to Irina's statement. I knew the Denali's, especially Irina and Tanya, held resentment toward the Cullen's and while it was deserved, there was still a part of me that wanted to defend them.

It was several hours before Irina and I caught a break. That break lasted just long enough for me to make myself another latte. Then we were at it again.

It was after two in the afternoon before I realized I hadn't eaten all day. I grabbed one of the pastries from the display. Irina frowned as she watched me scarf it down. "Is this the first time you've eaten today?" she asked concerned.

I blushed and nodded. I wiped off my hands so I could write, I kind of forgot earlier and then we were too busy.

Irina pulled out her phone and dialed a number. She hissed something into the phone before ending the call. "Tanya is bringing you food," she told me.

You didn't have to do that. I would have been fine.

Irina didn't like the sound of that. "You need to eat Bella," Irina said firmly. "I should have realized earlier you needed food."

You didn't have to call Tanya and make her bring me food. She could have been busy.

"She wasn't," Irina said. "And even if she was she would have dropped everything for you. Are you telling me you're not happy you get to see her again?" she asked with a smirk.

I ignored her and made my third latte of the shift. I was going to ask Tanya to come over again tonight. Although I slept well, I was now exhausted. Maybe with another good night of sleep I could manage without her again.

The door to the shop opened and I braced myself for the work I was about to do again. It wasn't a customer though. I realized at the last second that it was Tanya.

My eyes met hers and I couldn't stop the smile. She returned the smile and made her way over to me. "I'm sorry for not making sure you had food this morning," Tanya said. She handed me a bag. "It's carne asada fries, I hope that's okay."

I took the bag from her and nodded. Carne asada fries were delicious. It's not your job to make sure I eat.

"Maybe not, but I should have paid attention," Tanya said. She stepped toward me and gently touched my cheek. "You look tired."

"Oh, for the love of God," Irina said. I shifted my attention from Tanya to Irina. "I can't deal with…whatever this is. Bella go eat in the staff area and Tanya… I don't care where you go but go away."

I blushed at being scolded. We weren't doing anything wrong. I went to the staff area and took off my apron. Tanya followed behind me, sitting across from me at the table.

Why was Irina so irritated?

"She wasn't irritated," Tanya said. She watched as I opened the Styrofoam container. "She thinks we were flirting and she thought it was terrible."

I took a bite of the fries. They were delicious. It was amazing how Tanya could pick out such good food when she didn't even eat.

We weren't flirting though. Why would Irina think we were flirting?

"Because my sisters like to be overly involved in my life," Tanya answered.

I pushed the fries toward her. I can't eat this much food. Will you help?

Tanya looked at the fries and sighed. She reached over and grabbed a few. "I knew I should have ordered the half size," she muttered.

I snorted. Vampires seem to struggle with the fact that less is more.

"I'll learn," Tanya promised. She shifted in her seat. "Will you teach me to cook?"

The fries fell out of my hand. You don't eat? Why would you need to know how to cook?

"I would like to cook for you sometime, if you would let me, but I would rather not poison you," Tanya answered.

I was touched by her thoughtfulness. Edward never once offered to cook for me, instead he made comments about how repulsive food was. Most vampires only made comments on how repulsive food was, except for Esme and Carmen. Irina too, but she worked around food so I didn't think that really counted.

"Bella?" Tanya questioned when I didn't respond.

I'll teach you. It won't be easy considering you can't taste the food but yeah, I'll teach you.

Tanya beamed. "Thank you," Tanya said gratefully. "Oh, I have something for you." She removed something from her pocket and passed it over to me.

I opened what turned out to be a flyer, advertising a Halloween party in Anchorage. A party?

"I was hoping you would consider going with me, I mean us. Kate, Irina and I go every year," Tanya said. "I talked to your father about it and he agreed to let you go and stay the night at my house."

I stared at the flyer. It was already Halloween? How did I miss that? It had been a month since they left me and sometimes it felt like it was yesterday. Other times it felt like it had been years since they left.

"Bella?" Tanya called in concern.

I looked up and met her eyes. Sorry, I didn't realize it was almost Halloween. It's been over a month since they left and I didn't even realize.

"Ah," Tanya said in realization. "Is there anything I can do?"

I shook my head. She didn't realize I wasn't as upset as she expected me to be. I'm not upset. Well, not as upset as I expected. I suppose if I was in Forks, I would be much more upset. I don't know. It feels much longer.

"You're healing," Tanya said. "It's okay to move on Bella. You shouldn't be expected to mourn for them forever. If you don't want to go to the party it's fine."

No, I'll go. It might be fun. I glanced at the flyer again. Is this a club?

"Frat house actually," Tanya answered. "Kate briefly dated the president of the fraternity." I raised an eyebrow at her, wanting an explanation as to how that was a thing. "She thought he was cute and good in bed."

I choked on my fries. I was better off not knowing that. I would rather not know about any of Kate's conquests in the future.

Tanya grinned. "What about Irina's past conquests? There are some rather interesting ones including the king of…"

"Tanya," Irina shouted from the front of the shop.

No past conquests, from any of you.

"As you wish," she agreed, grinning at my red face.

We didn't talk while I tried to eat all the fries. Tanya would grab a fry here and there but overall left the food for me. The food was delicious but so much. I was already planning on taking it home for Charlie.

The door to the staff area opened. I assumed it was Irina and continued to eat. If she needed me she would let me know. "Bella," Claire greeted. "Tanya."

"Hello Claire," Tanya said politely. "How are you?"

"I'm good," she said awkwardly. "I'm sorry, am I interrupting?"

"Not at all," Tanya replied. "I was simply bringing Bella some food."

Are you hungry? Tanya has no concept of normal portions.

Claire sat down at the table with us. I pushed the fries toward her and she took a couple. "Thanks Bella," she said.

No problem. Eat what you want. I'll go finish out my shift. I grabbed my apron and whiteboard as I headed out of the staff area.

Tanya didn't follow me back to the front of the shop. The fact that she stayed back, presumably to talk to Claire, bothered me more than it should. I couldn't dwell on those thoughts as there were several customers in line.

"Bella, I need a matcha latte with almond milk, a black coffee and an iced chai tea latter with whole milk," Irina called to me.

I got straight to work on the drinks. I had gotten good at multitasking so I could easy do all drinks at once. Once I finished a drink, I passed it off to Irina so she could give it to the customer.

"Thanks Bella," Irina said when the last customer left. "It's after three, are you planning on leaving or do you want to stay longer?"

I glanced toward the office. I would stay but I have a lot of homework to do still and I've been exhausted.

"It's okay Bella. You don't have to explain," Irina told me. "You've been helping out a lot more than I expected. It's okay to keep your time off."

I sighed in relief. I really did have a lot of homework to finish.

Tanya came out of the back. "Are you ready to go?" she asked me. I glanced at Irina and she nodded.

Yes, I'm ready. Just let me put my apron back first.

I put my apron back in the staff area before following Tanya out of the shop. I climbed into the car and closed my eyes while Tanya drove me home.