December

This month has brought some tragedies, but also new possibilities. At home, Ana was responding well to her medications and she was scheduled for her mastectomy some time after New Years. I haven't had a chance to speak with her much, or my mother, but Uncle Charlie was keeping me updated on things at home. After Edward graciously paid off the back taxes on the farm, everything seemed to be running smoothly. Although I still had my suspicions that something was going on. It was a gut feeling. Uncle Charlie didn't go into detail on my mother's drinking, but when we discussed it, there was an edge to his voice. He didn't want to say too much.

I would find out soon enough, This weekend I would be making the journey back home for Christmas. I was excited and a little nervous. Edward would be coming along with me, so he can officially meet my family. I just hoped they wouldn't do anything to embarrass me. I've never brought a man home before. Uncle Charlie didn't sound thrilled about it, but he knew Edward was the one that had helped us out financially, so he wasn't going to speak out against it.

This week has been incredibly busy, between work and the move. The new landlord of the apartment decided to completely close down the complex to do a full remodel. All tenants had to leave. Our lease came to a close. Thankfully I now had a stable job and a decent amount of income to afford a better apartment. In fact, Edward helped me find a place, much closer to the office. In fact, I could walk to work if I wanted. It was only four blocks away from my new place.

It was a huge transition, I was still getting used to it. No creaky floors, or ancient plumbing. This new apartment was gorgeous. Very modern and open. My favorite room was the kitchen. It had black tile floors, the walls were white, except for a single accent wall that was crimson red with a beautiful file backsplash that looked like some kind of stone. The cabinets and appliances were all black, brand new. There was a dining table that could hold four people and a bar that sat against the accent wall. Edward had it fully stocked with some of our favorite wines and whiskeys.

We didn't drink often, usually we had a glass or two on the weekend, but nothing out of hand. I refuse to become my mother. I would keep a handle on myself. However tonight we would be drinking, we were going to the company Christmas party this evening. Which I was looking forward to. I couldn't imagine how reapers celebrate Christmas.

I stood in front of the full length mirror in the bathroom. I couldn't recognize myself. I went to the salon last week for a haircut. This was the first time I've ever cut my hair. The length had been nearly to my bottom, but now was just touching my shoulders. Although still wild and in disarray, it was much easier to maintain it this short. But I did miss my hair. I'm sure when my family would see me this weekend, they would be shocked. But with all the changes and new adventures in my life, I felt it was necessary for a new hair-do.

The party would be a formal event, so Katlyn had helped me pick out a dress. It was pretty, floor length and silver. I felt very elegant. Which was a little unsettling. I never considered myself to be ladylike, I was a farm girl. A country hick, that's how I've been described for most of my life. But the woman in the mirror, watching back at me, looked completely different. I wasn't sure if I liked what I saw.

Was this who I really was? Or was I doing all this, just to fit into Edward's life better? Was I putting too much pressure on myself to look the part? Change is good, isn't it?

Suddenly I felt arms around my waist, causing a buzz of electricity and a shudder to roll down my spine. Edward stood behind me, looking at me through the mirror. A gorgeous smile on his face. He wore an expensive-looking suit. He always looked amazing. Powerful and confident. That's how I wanted to look. I wanted to feel strong and sure of myself.

"You look beautiful," Edward spoke as he left soft kisses at my neck. "Of course, you always do."

I leaned back into him, enjoying the way our bodies felt together. My heart squeezed tightly in my chest as his hands explored my body. "Thanks, but we really should get going, or we are going to be late." I reminded him. If he kept touching me like that, I knew where it was going to lead.

The party was for seven o'clock. The venue wasn't far, but we should have left already. The place was called 'The Gardens'. It was a hot-spot in the city. Boswel's most expensive club. There would be a live band, alcohol and dancers. Edward and Emmett also called in people to cater this event. It was a big deal for me. This was my first company party.

Edward pulled away with some reluctance touching his features. "Are you sure you want to go, these parties are usually boring and full of petty drama."

I raised a brow as I started putting my earrings in. "What kind of drama?"

"Well, all the reapers will be together in one place. A lot of them have mixed relationships. Not everyone gets along. Now throw in alcohol and a confined space… trouble is always bound to happen."

I chewed my lip as I put my purse onto my shoulder. I wasn't used to carrying a purse. It wasn't something I usually would use. But I suppose in the past I had nothing that I needed to carry with me. It was different now. I had a cell phone, car keys, a wallet and a bunch of small miscellaneous items. It was another reminder that I've changed a lot in these past few months.

"Well, if that's true, it would be best if you were there right? To break up any fights."

Edward lips twitched. "Esme will be there too and Emmett, I'm sure they could take care of any fights."

If I didn't know any better, it sounded like Edward really didn't want to go to this party. He hasn't said anything against going in the past. I wondered what had changed his mind.

"Is there something wrong?" I turned to him fully now, searching his face. I could feel anxiety brewing inside of him. The eternal marking between us gave me a window into his emotions at all times. It was hard to ignore how uncomfortable he was feeling.

Edward sighed, moving his arm around my waist to guide me out of the bathroom and into the living room. My eyes swept over the room. The living room always took me by surprise, because of how high the ceiling is. This was the biggest space in the apartment and this was probably the place I spent most of my time. There was a large sectional couch, wall to wall, floor-length windows and a huge flat-screen TV. Erik ended up purchasing a bookshelf that he has filled with tons of books. And he added a business space, which consisted of a desk, computer and all his important files.

"Esme has decided to invite the Galen reapers as well. I'm just concerned for your safety. I'd rather keep you here, we can stay here, just the two of us." Edward admitted, lightly stroking my cheek with the back of his fingers. I could see the concern on his face. His brows pulled together. He was pleading. And as much as I wanted to give in, I wanted to do this. I wanted to go to the party. Stand by Edward's side.

But there was some trepidation now. I was wary of the Galen reapers. Especially since it still wasn't clear who was behind tampering with the soul stones at the replenishing stations. Luckily only a handful of other reapers ended up getting a bad batch of stones since the initial incident with Felix. We lost each and everyone of them. They couldn't return to their senses. They became full-fledged devourers. Even Felix lost his battle. Esme saw to the destruction of each and everyone one of the reapers that had turned devourer. It was heartbreaking and really left a mark on the company. No one trusted each other. I could see the rift beginning to form within the company. It would only get worse, if we didn't find out who was responsible.

For the time being, Esme has opened a few small replenishing stations that are owned and operated, by her and her loyal followers. Those stations are the only ones that can be used at the moment. The demand was much higher than the supply. Needless to say, there weren't many. Which left a lot of the reapers weak and starving for souls.

"Why has she invited Galen reapers? Aren't they being investigated for causing the problems with the replenishing stations?"

"Inviting Galen was to deliberately give the illusion that we aren't suspicious of them. Esme wants to give them the false sense that we trust them and want to strengthen our alliance."

That made sense and sounded exactly like something Esme would come up with. I haven't had a chance to exchange any words with her since our first meeting. I had created a painting for her office, but Edward delivered it to her. He didn't want me to come into contact with her again. So, I wasn't sure if she even liked the painting. She wanted something to brighten up her office space. It was so dark, especially since it was located in the basement level of the building. There weren't any windows, everything was shrouded in darkness, even the lights didn't provide light, they all were shadowed with red. It felt like standing in the middle of hell itself.

But strangely enough, Esme seemed completely at ease. She thrived in the darkness. So when she asked me to paint something that would brighten her office, I decided to keep the theme. A single rose - to represent Esme. The stem of the rose is black with sharp thorns - representing the danger she possessed. I decided to leave the flower unpainted, so the red lights of her room will illuminate that color into the painting. Coloring the rose. I hoped she liked it. Maybe I would ask her at the party.

"I think we should go, I will be perfectly safe, as long as I'm with you."

Edward sighed, running a hand through his messy bronze locks. I could see his resolve melting. We made our way to the door, Edward hesitantly took my jacket from where it was hanging and lightly helped me into it.

This had been an early Christmas present. Emmett had left it on my doorstep last night. It was beautiful, clearly expensive, pure white fur. It was soft to the touch and warmed me instantly. I wished that he wouldn't have bought me anything. It was a little awkward. Edward wasn't at all pleased with it either. But it would have been rude for me to send it back to Emmett. It wasn't that I didn't like him, or appreciate that he had thought of me. But I was terrified of coming into physical contact with him again. I didn't want him to mark me again. It had taken a sizable toll on my mind. And the pain. I never wanted to go through it again. In fact, I haven't even seen Emmett, since the day Esme had taken his marking off me.

But I knew he would be at the party tonight. I just needed to be careful. I was nervous, but there were more important things than Emmett being nearby. I would be meeting the Galen reapers, the ones suspected of plotting against our company. They were dangerous, unpredictable and Edward explained they had very different morals. Their company had a different outlook on reaping souls.

"Alright, just please agree to stay close to my side tonight." Edward said with a serious look. He opened the door and we strolled out into the hallway. Katlyn and Jacob were outside the door waiting for us. Both of them stood with their heads down.

I hadn't expected them to be here already.

"I won't leave your side," I agreed.

The four of us walked as a unit towards the elevator. My apartment was on the top floor. I've never been so thankful for the fact this building had functioning elevators. I didn't miss being forced to make trips up and down the stairs, that's how it had been in my old apartment. In general, this place was much nicer. It always smelled good, it was clean and organized. Even better, the landlord was a kind elderly gentleman, who has been nothing but helpful and understanding.

The elevator was big enough for all of us to fit comfortably. Jacob remained behind us, while Katlyn stood in front. Edward didn't speak, or look at either one of them, his eyes were glued to his phone. Probably looking through some last minute work assignments. Edward graciously has taken two weeks off of work to spend Christmas and New Years with me. No work involved. It was going to be great. We could just spend time together. I've been looking forward to this for months.

The elevator took us down to the basement floor, where all the tenants kept their cars. This was another thing about this apartment complex that I loved. The parking was all covered. And secure. We had a key card to get in and out of this garage, so the worry of theft was much lower than it was at my old place.

Katlyn guided us over to where a limo was parked, just outside of the garage. This was a bit of a surprise. I had no idea that we would be taking the company limo. This would be my first time riding in a limo. I couldn't contain my excitement.

"Really, we are riding in this?" I turned to Edward with a huge smile.

Edward chuckled, finding my enthusiasm amusing. "Of course, this is the biggest party of the year for us. We might as well arrive in style. Right?"

Katlyn moved to the door, opening it wordlessly, but I caught a glimpse of a smile on her face as well. Jacob only rolled his eyes, not seeming impressed at all. He kept his eyes away from us. I wasn't sure what his problem was today, or really what's been his problem. He no longer tried having any conversations with me. He shows up to guard me when it's his turn. But he has stayed completely stoic. He stayed at a distance. Didn't communicate. I've tried, for a while now, to get him to open back up. But it's like he has turned to stone. Emotionless. Distant. I wonder what is going on. He was a Galen reaper. And now he was acting off. So, of course I'm suspicious.

We all swept into the back of the limo, Stenton was at the wheel, he kept his eyes forward. This was typical for him, when Edward was around. Stenton always wanted to appear nothing but professional around him. When it was just me, Stenton would talk and carry on a pleasant conversation.

The limo was gorgeous. Black leather seats, the heat was on, keeping the temperature perfect against the harsh winter weather plaguing the city tonight. There was a bar set up, with two wine glasses already filled with some type of sweet, strawberry wine. I held the glass in my hand, only taking dainty sips. I would have to pace myself. I didn't want to get drunk tonight. I wanted my head to be clear around these Galen reapers. Plus, I really didn't want to embarrass Edward, or make him look bad. There was a certain amount of pressure on me. But I was up for the challenge. I would be walking in as the only human, amongst supernatural beings.

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