Bella woke up to the warm scent of toasted bread and melted cheese. Blinking sleepily, she sat up, her tiny fists rubbing at her eyes as she stretched. Beside her, Sulpicia was already waiting with a gentle smile, setting down a tray on the bedside table.
"Breakfast in bed, sweetie," Sulpicia greeted, smoothing a hand over Bella's soft curls.
Bella's eyes widened with delight as she looked at her meal—a perfectly golden grilled cheese sandwich, cut into small triangles just how she liked, and next to it, a glass filled with dark, rich blood. She scrunched her nose at the sight of it but didn't complain.
"Dr. Carlisle will check me later, Mommy!" she chirped, already kicking her legs excitedly beneath the blankets.
Sulpicia nodded, watching her with fond amusement. "Yup, so you should finish your breakfast, especially your drink, if you want to stay healthy."
Bella pouted but obediently took a small sip before focusing on her sandwich, happily munching away. The thought of spending time with Edward's family was just too exciting! She wanted to see everyone again, ask them more questions, and—most importantly—see what Carlisle's checkup would be like.
As soon as she finished, she hopped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, determined to get ready as fast as possible. By the time she was done, her mommy had stepped out, but Gianna was already there, waiting with a fresh dress and a warm smile.
"Are you excited for today, little one?" Gianna asked as she helped Bella into her clothes.
Bella nodded eagerly, swinging her legs as Gianna carefully combed her hair. "Very!"
Once she was dressed and ready, she didn't waste a single second. She ran straight toward the wing where Edward and the Cullens were staying, her little feet tapping quickly against the castle's grand floors.
When she spotted Edward, already waiting for her in the hallway, her face lit up. Without hesitation, she ran straight into his open arms, giggling as he easily lifted her up.
"Good morning!" she beamed.
Edward chuckled. "Good morning, little one." He adjusted his hold on her as he carried her down the corridor. "Did you sleep well?"
Bella nodded enthusiastically. "Uh-huh! And I ate all my breakfast too!"
Edward's golden eyes twinkled. "Even your drink?"
Bella scrunched her nose again. "…Most of it."
Edward laughed softly but didn't tease her further. Instead, he carried her straight to Carlisle's office, where her daddy, Aro, was already speaking with the doctor.
"Daddy!" she called happily, reaching toward him.
Aro turned at the sound of her voice, his cold, regal expression melting instantly. "My sweet girl," he murmured, welcoming her into his arms as she hugged him tightly. He pressed a kiss to her head before setting her back down. "I'll leave you to Carlisle for the day."
Bella nodded, but then her brow furrowed as she looked up at the doctor.
"Can I go greet the others first?" she asked, bouncing slightly on her feet. Then, tilting her head curiously, she added, "And where's your coat?"
Carlisle blinked in surprise before smiling warmly. "I'll go put it on," he promised. "You go ahead and greet the others—they're expecting you."
Satisfied, Bella gave him a big grin and dashed off again.
She found everyone in the living room, where Emmett was engrossed in a game on the TV, the flashing colors reflecting off his amused face.
"Good morning!" Bella called out cheerfully.
Rose and Esme immediately turned to her with soft smiles, pulling her into warm hugs.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Esme murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"You're up early," Rosalie noted, smoothing down Bella's hair.
"I have a checkup with Dr. Carlisle!" Bella announced proudly.
The others chuckled, clearly entertained by her excitement. But before anyone could say more, Bella was already running off again, too eager to wait.
She needed to see Carlisle in his doctor coat!
EPOV
Edward watched as Carlisle adjusted the pristine white coat over his shoulders, the familiar sight of the doctor settling into his role. The office had been carefully arranged with all the necessary medical supplies—an idea Edward had set into motion the moment Carlisle arrived in Volterra. He knew the older vampire wouldn't be here solely for Bella. As much as Carlisle cared for her well-being, Edward was certain that, in time, he would seek out human patients in the city, offering his expertise under the Volturi's watchful eyes.
Later that night, Edward would leave with Demetri to investigate Alexandros. If all went according to plan, he would return before Bella even stirred from her sleep. It was crucial that she remained unaware of his absence—her world was safe, and he intended to keep it that way.
"You see, Isabella's skin softens when she consumes food," Edward shared, his voice measured. "When she spent a week without blood, she was more… human."
Carlisle nodded, adjusting his stethoscope. "Just as Aro mentioned."
Edward's gaze flickered at the reminder of their earlier conversation. Aro had spent hours detailing his observations of Bella's biology, exchanging theories with Carlisle. While Edward still bristled at the idea of Aro scrutinizing her so closely, he had to admit—the man was thorough.
Carlisle leaned against the desk, his golden eyes contemplative. "I have a theory," he began. "Based on what you've told me before, and with Aro's findings, Isabella's biology seems to depend on her diet. When she consumes human food, she presents more human traits. But when she relies on blood, she becomes more vampire—more durable."
Edward folded his arms, listening intently.
Carlisle continued, "I believe once she reaches full maturity—perhaps around sixteen—her body will stabilize, much like Nahuel's. She'll likely be a perfect balance between both worlds. But for now, her fragility comes from the fact that she leans toward human sustenance more than blood."
Edward respected Carlisle's medical expertise more than anyone else's, and this theory, though unsettling, made sense. Bella was delicate—more than she should be. If Carlisle was right, then balancing her diet was the key to ensuring her safety. But that meant Edward had to convince her to drink more blood, and he knew how much she disliked it.
Before he could dwell on it further, the soft but hurried sound of small footsteps echoed down the hall. A heartbeat later, the office doors swung open, revealing an eager Isabella peeking inside.
Edward suppressed a smile as he took in her wide-eyed expression. She was staring straight at Carlisle—at his coat, at the stethoscope draped over his shoulder.
She was fascinated.
What Edward wouldn't give to read her mind at this moment. There was no doubt she was delighted, experiencing something so normal—something other children did.
Carlisle smiled warmly. "Come now, Isabella. Just sit right here."
She wasted no time clambering into the chair, her small legs swinging slightly as she settled in. Edward took a step closer, watching as Carlisle began his examination with practiced ease.
He checked her eyes, her reflexes, and gently placed the stethoscope against her chest. Bella giggled at the cool touch, then gasped in wonder.
"What do you hear?" she asked eagerly.
Carlisle chuckled. "A very strong heartbeat."
Edward, standing off to the side, caught every thought that ran through Carlisle's mind as he worked. Isabella's heart beat much faster than a human's, her temperature was warmer, and while her skin was softer than a vampire's, it still held a slight resilience—something in between. She was, in every way, a unique being.
Carlisle continued his gentle questioning, asking how she felt lately, if anything had changed. Isabella answered thoughtfully, then quickly turned the conversation back on him.
"Have you had kid patients too?" she asked curiously.
Carlisle's smile widened, his voice filled with warmth as he responded. "Oh, many. I used to work in hospitals where I treated children all the time."
Her eyes sparkled with interest. "Did they cry?"
Edward couldn't stop the quiet chuckle that escaped him at the unexpected question.
Carlisle nodded solemnly. "Sometimes. But I always tried my best to make them feel better."
Bella beamed, as if reassured by that. She had always been an inquisitive child, and Edward found himself captivated by her simple yet thoughtful curiosity.
Carlisle took Isabella's small hand in his, his fingers pressing lightly along her arm as he studied the texture of her skin. His expression shifted slightly, his mind flickering with a new thought.
"I wonder…" he murmured to himself before glancing up at Edward. "I'd like to draw a small sample of her blood, just for analysis."
Edward immediately stiffened. His protective instincts roared to the surface, and before Carlisle could even elaborate, Edward cut in sharply.
"That might hurt her," he said, his voice edged with concern. "And a normal needle won't even pierce her skin." His golden eyes darkened slightly as he recalled the way Bella's biology shifted between human and vampire traits. "She's more fragile than a vampire, but she's still stronger than a human."
Carlisle hummed thoughtfully, his gaze returning to Isabella. He gently pressed his fingers against her forearm again, feeling the subtle resilience of her skin. She was certainly more durable than a human child, but he needed to test just how much.
Edward's tension didn't ease as he watched Carlisle consider his options. He could already see the doctor's mind at work, searching for alternatives.
Carlisle finally stood and moved toward his medical case, retrieving a small, specially designed lancet—a device used for thicker, more resistant skin. It was one of the more advanced tools he had come across in his work, and he believed it would be the best way to extract the sample safely.
"I'll be careful," Carlisle reassured Edward as he returned to his seat.
Before Edward could protest again, a soft voice interrupted.
"It's okay, Edward."
Edward and Carlisle both turned to Isabella, who was watching them with quiet confidence.
"If it helps Dr. Carlisle take care of me, then I don't mind," she said earnestly, her little fingers wrapping around Edward's hand in reassurance.
Edward exhaled slowly, his jaw still tight, but her unwavering trust in Carlisle—and in him—made it difficult to refuse.
Finally, after a long pause, he gave a reluctant nod.
Carlisle offered a reassuring smile before carefully positioning the lancet against the softest area of Bella's fingertip. With a precise motion, he activated it.
A tiny bead of deep red blood welled up instantly.
Edward let out a slow breath, his hand never leaving Bella's back. She barely even flinched, instead watching the process with wide, curious eyes.
Carlisle quickly collected the sample, his mind already racing with the possibilities of what he might learn from it.
Edward brushed a soft strand of hair from Bella's face. "You're very brave," he murmured.
She grinned proudly. "I know."
Carlisle was already examining the sample with keen interest, his mind spinning with possibilities. Edward knew he would spend the next several hours analyzing it, coming up with even more theories about what made Isabella who she was.
For now, though, Edward was just relieved that it was over.
"Can I go play with Emmett now?" Bella asked, bouncing slightly in her seat.
Edward sighed, shaking his head in amusement. "Yes, but no climbing on him"
Bella giggled but didn't make any promises before running off, her excitement bubbling over as she disappeared down the hall.
Carlisle watched her go, then turned to Edward with a thoughtful expression. "She's extraordinary."
Edward's gaze softened. "Yes, she is."
And he would do whatever it took to keep her safe.
Chapter 45 is up! I'm back to writing. I actually have the climax of this book written, but I haven't finished the in-between parts yet.
Back to the plot—I know Renesmee's skin was unpierceable because it was like a vampire's, but in this fic, I'd like Bella to have a balance based on her diet, and she enjoys human food, so…
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