It wasn't long before both brother's phones started buzzing. Signally the end of any further discussions. They had work to do and at this point, I was just in the way. There were a lot of questions I had, but it would have to wait until tomorrow. Edward asked that I come in the morning, at a staggering four in the morning. Apparently, that's when the book-keepers started their lists for the day. I would be getting a brief tour of the building, then start my training under Alice's guidance.

I was extremely nervous. But this was a great opportunity for me. I couldn't mess this up. I knew I was going to have to make some very uncomfortable phone calls when I got back home. I wasn't too concerned about Rosalie, but I felt bad for leaving the diner. Billy had been so good to me. Maybe I will be able to do something for him in the future?

Emmett and Edward walked me out to the parking area, where Stenton was waiting. Unfortunately neither of them could come with me, so it would possibly be a long awkward drive back to Liberty park. The three of us stood by the SUV for a moment, taking just a brief moment to say goodbye.

"Get some rest today, it's going to be a long day tomorrow." Emmett said with a short smile. He had already changed into a new business suit, his chocolate curls were arranged perfectly, as if nothing had ever happened between him and his brother. His hand reached out towards me, but Edward cleared his throat, causing Emmett to quickly tuck his hand behind his back.

"I'm sure I'll see you at some point tomorrow, be safe." Emmett concluded, before turning his back to the both of us. He marched himself back inside the glass tower, without another look back.

Edward smiled brilliantly, adjusting his tie. He had changed into new clothes as well. It was a nice suit, but I shuddered at the thought of what was underneath it. His rounded muscles and flawless body.

My legs trembled slightly as he wrapped a single arm around my waist. I melted into his side easily.

"No matter the distance, you will be the only thing on my mind." He mumbled quietly, his eyes were scorching green.

My breath caught in my throat.

I wish he wouldn't say things like that. It made it so hard for me to resist. It was impossible to fight against the emotions that it invoked. Dizzily I squeezed myself to him a little tighter. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

He nodded, leaning down to just barely brush his lips against the top of my head. A wave of static bounced through my body. "Maybe sooner."

I squashed the immediate excitement of his comment. I've never felt like this before. It was like I was some lovesick teenager. I had to realize, this was a man. He was just getting out of a divorce. I didn't even know how old he was, his past. In short, I didn't know this guy. How could these feelings possibly be real?

I forced myself to detach from him and took a few steps to open up the backseat of the car. But my body froze at the sound of Edward's voice in my ear again.

"I almost forgot, take this with you." He took a few steps over to me to hand me an expensive looking phone. It wasn't the kind that flipped open, like the one that uncle Charlie had. It is super light and thin. It just looked like a glass screen. I've seen them before, I knew they were a lot of money. But I had no idea how to even use one.

My family could never afford something like this and on the farm, we really didn't have phone reception. If we had to get in touch with someone, we would use the landline, or just take a walk down the road to speak with them in person. Uncle Charlie tried convincing me to purchase a cell phone when I first moved out. It's not that I didn't want one, but I just never thought it was a priority to spend money on.

I clutched the device in both hands, I was instantly paranoid that I would drop the thing and break it. "What do you want me to do with this?"

Edward raised his brows at me, an amused grin came to his face. "It's a company phone. I'd like for you to have it, so if you need me, I'm just a call away."

My face went a little red. "Alright, but I'll be fine." I grimaced a bit as I turned and got into the car. I watched as Edward lightly closed the door for me, before walking around to the front of the car to speak with Stenton.

Stenton became tense as he glanced at me, and even more so as he rolled down his window to speak with Edward. I couldn't make out their quiet conversation, but I heard Stenton reply with a lot of yes sir and no sir. The only thing I managed to hear was Edward's parting words. "If a single hair is out of place on her head, I'll make the rest of your eternity a living hell, do you understand?"

Stenton visibly quaked, with a fast bob of his head. "Yes sir,"

Their conversation ended and I watched as Edward moved back to make eye contact with me. He offered a warm smile and a wave as Stenton began to drive away.

I waved back pitifully, my heart felt like it was ripping into pieces the further we got. The pain was unbearable. I clutched the new phone to my chest and took a couple shallow breaths. Tears stung in my eyes. There was a powerful urge to kick the car doors open and go running back to where Edward was standing. But I kept myself as still as possible. Why didn't he warn me, that being separated from him was going to feel like torture?

Gritting my teeth together, I forced on Stenton's face. His hands were rigidly tight to the steering wheel. The look of concentration on his face made the hairs on the back of my neck stand. I hated to bother him, but I needed a distraction.

"Stenton," I said hesitantly.

He glanced back at me, offering a hard smile. But didn't respond.

"I'm sorry about all of this." I continued.

"There is nothing to apologize for ma'am," His tone was formal. He was talking to me, as if this was our first time meeting.

I frowned deeply. "Did I do something to upset you?"

"No, nothing at all," He spoke abruptly. Panic was on his face. "I'm sorry if I've done anything to offend you."

I sighed, rubbing my hand over Edward's marking. The feeling soothed me slightly. "You aren't acting right, you were much… more comfortable when we spoke earlier today."

"Earlier today, I wasn't aware that you were master Edward's life partner. That changes the dynamic of our relationship." Stenton said with a sharp nod. His eyes stayed plastered to the road. His driving was crisp and flawless as he maneuvered traffic.

"It doesn't have to change a thing. We can … I mean we could still be friends."

"Unfortunately, as lovely as you are ma'am, I have no right to be your friend. I'm simply a support driver, following my orders."

I huffed, folding my arms across my chest to gaze out my window. I wasn't happy. Not in the slightest. I didn't make too many friends and of the small list of people that I do meet, it appears that Edward might shorten that list even further.

"But, if I was your friend, I'd tell you to be careful. It sounds like you are entering a very dangerous world. One that most don't survive through very long." Stenton commented.

I looked to him, taking notice of his gaze in my direction as well. "Why is it so dangerous?"

"The living and the dead, they don't mix well. They naturally avoid each other, until the day comes that death wins. Humans live and thrive amongst each other. Reapers signify the ending of that."

I let his words sink in, I heard the caution in what he was telling me. But I didn't fully understand the meaning.

"Emmett mentioned that I would become a target, could you explain what that means?"

Stenton lightly rubbed the sweat from his wrinkled face, before composing himself. "Approximately, one new reaper is awakened, every day, somewhere in the world. Some times more. And sometimes, these new reapers aren't found right away by older, more experienced reapers." He started. "So, these young reapers are alone, confused and don't understand their purpose."

I nodded quietly, eager for him to continue.

"A new reaper won't know how to replenish themselves properly, but they will feel the pull to collect souls. When a human-being dies, a reaper is supposed to transport the soul to its destined resting area… but a new reaper doesn't know their true duties… and instead will devour the souls."

"They will eat the souls?" I muttered with a frown.

Stenton waited for a moment for this new information to register in my mind. It appeared that he was growing more and more uncomfortable.

"Yes, when a reaper eats a soul, it replenishes them and creates a very strong unbreakable addiction. They can't get enough, it becomes their very purpose. After an extended amount of time eating souls, a reaper will eventually become a devourer."

"And what happens to the souls that they eat?"

A look of guilt washed over Stenton's features, he looked away from me and back to the road. "Those souls are completely destroyed, they never reach their resting grounds… they just disappear… as if they never existed in the first place."

What he was telling me was bone-chilling. I realized that my body had tensed up. I took in a big breath and forced myself to relax. "That's terrible," I chewed my bottom lip for a moment. "But it isn't completely their fault."

Stenton's eyes widened, his shoulders stiff. "What do you mean by that?"

"Well like you said, if a new reaper is alone and doesn't know what to do… no one is there to tell him right from wrong, it's not their fault for devouring the souls. They didn't know."

"You are an interesting human," Stenton commented, smiling for the first time. "But sadly, not all of those reapers are innocent. Some will continue eating the souls, even after learning the truth. Not all of us have good intentions. That's why you must be careful."

"I still don't understand why I'm a target."

"Because, the moment master Edward branded you with that eternal marking, it was imprinted to your very soul. The connection between the two of you is soul deep. If a devourer finds the scent of your soul, they will track you down to the ends of the Earth to obtain that soul." Stenton explained with a slight frown on his face.

"The smell of my soul," I scoffed. "So, because of the marking, my soul will be extra tasty… Is that what you mean?"

Stenton chuckled for a moment, as he bobbed his head. "Well let's put it this way. If you stood next to another human, one without any markings, they would be considered a piece of jerky. But you would be a perfectly cooked ribeye."

His analogy would have been funny, if it didn't paint a picture of me being someone's meal. I awkwardly laughed along with him, but my stomach was doing flips. I really got myself into a bad situation.

For the rest of the drive we continued onto more causal topics. It distracted me enough to ignore the dull aching in my chest. But not completely. We talked about our day and our plans for the rest of the week. Stenton's schedule was pretty uneventful, all he did was work, but he did mention that he had requested a day off for the next weekend. He had plans on visiting the grave sights of his family. It was something that he did every year around this time. I couldn't imagine becoming immortal. Watching all your loved ones perish. It sounded like a lonely life.

I glanced down at Edward's marking, with a deeper understanding. This was the answer. To bring a glimmer of companionship to reapers. Someone that can stay by their side forever. But with Edward and I, the situation was different. I was human. I couldn't live forever. Edward had a cruel fate. Yes, we found each other, but in the end we would eventually part-ways when I died.

So what was the point? If I wasn't selfish, I would leave him alone. I wouldn't involve myself with him. But I'm not confident that was possible.

By the time Stenton reached Liberty park, it was nearing six in the evening. The sun was still high in the sky, but the temperature had cooled down tremendously. I felt slightly comforted by the more familiar surroundings. The grand fountain, the average-looking people and the constant buzz of life was all around. Strange, how sometimes all this noise reminds me, I'm not alone. But there was an empty feeling in my chest as I waved goodbye to Stenton. His SUV didn't hesitate to peel out of the area, disappearing in the city traffic.

I stood there awkwardly for a moment, just letting today's events sink in. I had a lot of things to sort out, starting with the job that I was expected to be at in the morning. Dale's diner was only a few steps away, but I didn't have the nerve to look Billy in the eyes and tell him that I quit. I was a coward. Accept it and move on. I'll just call him once I get back home.

For now, I needed to get out of here. The park was safe enough during the day, but in the late hours of the day, there was a lot of crime and strange people hanging around. You could see the shift in the type of groups that were here now. No kids, no dog-walkers, really no one under the age of thirty was here at the moment. I was aware of every little movement as I made the trek back to the tree I had left my scooter.

To my shock and horror, I couldn't spot my scooter anywhere. I was sure that I had left it right here, right by this tree. I scanned the area, avoiding the gaze of a rowdy group of guys that had been watching me since I arrived. I heard one of them leave out a whistle, while his buddies all snickered and hooted.

I had to act quickly and stay calm. It was still bright outside, and there were plenty of by-standers nearby. I searched the park for a while, but when it was clear that my scooter wasn't here, I decided to head to the sidewalk and start walking back to my apartment. Time was running out, I needed to get back before the sun went down. I shoved my hands into my pockets, slightly relieved that I at least felt a small can of pepper spray in one of the pockets. I just hoped that I wouldn't need to use it.

Walking along the sidewalk, I kept my head down, ignoring the few people that would walk by me. My hand was clenched tightly around the can of pepper spray in my pocket, I was ready. I was only a few blocks away from the apartment, but it felt like I had been walking for miles. I passed by plenty of restaurants, all of them had a nice lingering smell wafting from their open windows. My stomach growled, but I wouldn't risk it. If I was to stop and grab something to eat, I would definitely have to walk the rest of the way back in the dark. It wasn't worth it.

I was nearing the final hurdle now, I just had to wait at the crosswalk to make it to the entrance of the apartment parking lot. I watched up at the light, waiting to see the signal that I could safely walk across the road. Anxiety was stirring around in my stomach as I heard a slurred voice.

"Pardon me miss,"

Slowly I turned to look down at the man that called out to me. His clothing was filthy, his long hair was matted in knots and there was an overall awful smell coming from him. It was a smell close to roadkill and alcohol. He appeared heavily intoxicated. Without thinking I took a step back from him as he stumbled to his feet.

"Sorry, I'm in a hurry to get home." I said politely. I hoped that he couldn't see how scared I was at that moment.

"L-look you sexy thing, I need some cash," He held his hands out expectantly. A light breeze rolled by us, assaulting my nose with his putrid odor. My stomach was doing flips.

"I really don't have any money on me right now, if you can wait, my apartment is just across the street. I can bring you some money."

Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that I lived in this area.

He didn't appear happy with what I was saying, in a snap he reached into the front of his pants and pulled out a slender knife. His body was swaying slightly back and forth and he couldn't seem to get his eyes to focus on me.

"Give me the fucking money, or I'll carve your pretty little face up." He hissed at me, before he started coughing hard. Blood spewed from between his lips, coating his hand as he struggled to catch his breath.

My throat was tight and my head was pounding, but glancing towards the light again, I saw that the symbol to walk appeared. Without pausing for a second I ran. As fast as my legs could take me. Once I made it safely across the street I turned back to see the homeless man slumped on the ground. He looked unconscious.

I waited, unsure if I should call for help. He needed medical attention, but it appeared other people had taken notice of the man. There was a group surrounding him now, all with phones held up to their ears.

Suddenly I felt warmth roll down over my shoulders. My heart almost leaped out of my chest as I felt an arm around my waist. Turning slightly, I looked up to see sparkling emerald eyes.

Edward was here. I instantly felt safe.

"Stay here and be very still." He muttered, said quietly as he took a step away from me.

"Wait, what are you going to do?" Panic struck me.

He turned to give me a slight smirk. "My job," With that being said, he walked casually away from me. His designer business attire seemed to melt off of him, falling to dust at his feet. Replacing his suit was a simple black cloak that covered his frame entirely. With the flick of his hand, he pulled his hood over his head. Since his back was turned, I couldn't get a clear sight of his face. But I could see that his arms had turned to bones. The same way that Emmett's had, when he was providing me with proof that he was a reaper.

It was unsettling, but I couldn't look away as Edward weaved through the crowd of people. No one seemed to even see him. If they did, they weren't showing any signs of it. It was like he was invisible.

I held my breath as Edward made it to the homeless man, passed out on the streets. He paused for only a moment, before reaching his skeletal hand down through the man's chest. It glided through as if nothing was even there. When he pulled his hand back, it looked as though he was holding something, but I couldn't see what it was. There was a bright flash of light that suddenly sprang from his hand, then nothing but darkness. Edward bowed his head, before disappearing from the scene entirely.

I jerked in surprise, looking around frantically, until I felt a warm arm wrap back around me. He had only been gone a few seconds, but I felt the loneliness that it left behind. Relieved, I clung to his arm, letting out a breath.

He had returned to normal, well, he had his skin back and was back in his business suit.

He chuckled quietly as he leaned down to peck the top of my head. "Didn't mean to worry you,"

"Did you just reap that guy's soul?" I whispered quietly.

Edward nodded slowly, his smile fading from his face. "I saw that he had tried to attack you. It's been a very long time since I've seen such a broken soul. I hope he finds peace."

"Do you know what happens to the souls, once you take them to their final resting place? I mean… heaven, hell, have you been there?"

Amusement danced on Edward's face. "I'm not at liberty to say, reaper rules. Humans don't get the luxury of finding any of that stuff out, until they die." He pulled me a little closer to him.

I pouted a little bit, but decided I probably didn't really want the answer to my question. That would destroy the whole point of having faith, wouldn't it?

"Let's get you inside, where it's safe." Edward suggested. We could hear the siren of an ambulance in the distance. Help was on the way. But it was too late. The man was dead, his soul had already departed. I watched the whole thing happen myself. The sight of his body, lifeless and cold, sent a chill down my spine. I've never actually seen someone die. It wasn't the same as it was portrayed in movies and television.

Edward followed me into the apartment building, removing his arm from around me, to hold onto my hand. It was comforting. His hand was so smooth, it was holding onto a piece of marble stone.

Pete eyed us from the front desk, a look of suspiciousness came to his face. "I've seen you before, young 'fella." He commented as I paused at the desk.

Edward smiled tightly. "That's right, I believe you directed me to Bella's room, that night we came back from the bar."

My face warmed. I didn't have any memories of that night. I knew I was in the bar one minute, then I was waking up in my bed, with Edward asleep next to me.

Wait, do reapers even sleep? Or was he just laying there, pretending to sleep?

"Didn't think I'd be seeing you again… nice to see that you're both sober this time." Pete said, narrowing his eyes slightly at the two of us.

"That wasn't my finest moment," Edward allowed, before holding his hand out to Pete. "I'm Edward, nice to meet you."

Pete hesitantly shook Edward's hand, but after a while he smiled and shook his head. "Pete Williams, it's good to talk with you Edward. If you plan on spending the night again, please keep in mind this place has thin walls, with tenants that have a very short temper."

I raised a brow, looking at Edward, but he kept his expression blank, while shrugging his shoulders.

"What do you mean Pete, I don't remember much from that night." I asked.

Pete nervously rubbed the back of his neck, the wrinkles on his cheeks turning slightly pink. "Well, several of your neighbors filed complaints, of all the noises coming from your room. Erh, don't I have to explain further?"

I quickly put my hand up to stop him. My face was boiling. "Nope, I understand, don't worry, that isn't happening."

Edward made a face, I couldn't tell if he was amused by this conversation, or sulking. It was a strange mixture.

"G-good to know, I'll let you two kids go and remember, if you need anything, I'll be right here, until midnight." Pete said, looking at me. I could see that he was slightly concerned and it touched my heart that he was worried for me. But I was convinced, being next to Edward was the safest place in the world. I felt that down to my core.

"Thanks Pete, good night." I said with a wave.

Edward bowed his head slightly, before following after me. The climb up the stairs to the apartment was silent, but once we took a few steps inside, I let out a long sigh of relief. I made it back in one piece. Barely.

My thoughts returned to the homeless man that had tried to stab me, for money that I truly didn't have. If that traffic light wouldn't have signaled for me to cross the road, would it have also been me that Edward would have shown up for? The thought had me on edge.

"Is something wrong?" Edward wondered, cupping my face gently. He tilted my head back just enough for me to meet his gaze. His touch made me melt. I had the urge to kiss him, but I restrained myself.

"No, I'm just… glad nothing happened tonight. I really thought that guy was going to kill me." I muttered quietly.

Edward frowned, letting his fingers lightly skim over my cheeks. "Do you really think I would let something like that happen to you?"

My heart fluttered in my chest. "Maybe,"

He shook his head. "I admit, I'm far from the perfect man. I have a bad temper, I probably drink too much and there will be times that you may not be able to stand being near me, but I'll never let anyone hurt you. That's a promise."

How could I ignore my feelings for this man, if he said things like this? How couldn't I accept him with open arms? He spoke with such passion and resolve, I felt overwhelmed. Tears threatened to spill over my cheeks, but I held them back. I wouldn't allow him to see me cry. Instead I embraced him, hiding my face in his chest. I inhaled the sweet aroma of his business suit. It was something close to honey, or maple, not the kind of smell I was expecting. But comforting, all the same.

We stood like that for a while, just holding each other. The world around us disappeared. Time slowed down. I was content. After some time passed, we decided to head to my room. We laid there and talked for hours. I filled him in completely on my move to the city and the troubles with my sister. He talked about his past briefly, it was something he didn't seem too thrilled about. Apparently he had been a bit of a womanizer in the past. As insecure as that made me feel, I was happy that he didn't hide it from me. He was open and honest. In return, I will put some trust in him.

But I wasn't dumb, I still didn't know him that well.

Unsurprisingly, we didn't sleep together. Like I said, it wasn't going to happen. But we did end up ordering a pizza that Edward demanded that he will pay for and snuggled up on the couch to watch some horror flicks.

Edward kept glancing at me, each time something gory was on the screen, as if waiting for me to scream, or pass out. Little did he know, I grew up watching these kinds of movies. I loved scary things, it was something my family and I bonded over. After a while he must have realized that it wasn't bothering me and relaxed.

Time seemed to pass so quickly, I didn't realize that it was nearing ten o'clock at night. I really should get some sleep for tomorrow. Emmett warned me to get my rest, because tomorrow would be a long day. I wanted to make a good first impression. Edward seemed to sense my distress. "Are you ready for bed?"

I nodded, but didn't make a move away from him. I enjoyed being squished up tight against him, on my crappy couch. "I probably should, four in the morning is going to come quickly."

In a flash he stood up, cradling me in his arms with a smirk. "Well, let's not waste any time."

I grimaced at him, but didn't comment.

I guess it beats walking, right?

Once we got into my room, he lightly laid me down on the bed, his eyes roamed my body, before the buzzing of his phone got his attention.

I almost groaned.

Called away to work? I was almost certain. This would be where it ends. Then I wouldn't be able to see him until tomorrow. Pain shot through my body at the thought.

He growled as he pressed his phone to his ear. "What?"

There was a long stretch of silence and Edward was growing more irritated by the second. He paced a little at the end of my bed. Finally, he spoke. "Fine, I'll be there."

He gritted his teeth before shoving his phone back into his pocket. Slowly he exhaled, before turning back to me, appearing a little calmer. "Sounds like I'm needed back at the office tonight."

I nodded glumly. "That's alright,"

Edward frowned slightly, moving over to me. "I'll come back if I'm able to." He reached out to gently tuck a loose red curl behind my ear.

"Alright well, have a safe trip back." I said, glancing out towards the midnight sky. Even though he was a reaper, he was still able to die.

He snorted, a smirk pulling at his lips. "Don't worry about me, I'm not the same as my brother. Nothing made by humans can kill me."

I raised a brow, analyzing his face for a moment. I wasn't sure how to respond to this. I didn't know if I should be relieved, or guilty. My thoughts from earlier today came tumbling back into my head. We were connected for eternity, but forever could be cut short. Because I was mortal. It wasn't fair.

Edward studied my expression, before sighing and leaning down to plant a kiss at the top of my head. "Good night,"

"Night," I breathed, watching as he retreated from my room. The further he got, the sharper the pain got in my chest. It was hard to breathe, it was hard to concentrate. Solitude was hell. Even more so when Edward wasn't here. It felt like a piece of me was missing.

Thanks for reading and reviewing! What's your thoughts on this story so far?