I rolled off of Edward, falling back onto the bed. I was blissed out, boneless, and…
Completely. Fucking. Dead.
Rusty hadn’t been kidding when he had said the epic fail, known as our first time, had been a fluke. Ever since he’d fucked me on the desk in the bar office, it had been like we couldn’t get enough of each other. He’d made up for having to finish me off in the shower in spades.
The past two days had been a virtual non-stop fuck fest. When we hadn’t been at work, we’d been in the bed, up against the wall, in the shower, or on the kitchen counter. We had also christened the Volvo.
Now I remember why I didn’t want to have sex in a car when I was in high school. Can we say uncomfortable?
Needless to say, Edward had proven his sexual prowess over and over again. Which, in turn, meant I had freaked out over nothing.
Nothing new here. I am the Queen of Overreacting.
“Give me fifteen minutes, and we can go again,” Edward panted, staring up at the ceiling. I heard the wet thud of the condom hitting the trash can, and then he leaned down to grab something to clean up with.
Uh, gross.
I snorted and rubbed my hand over my face. “Baby, you’re a sex god. I’m sorry I doubted your manliness and your cock. You’re going to kill me…and my vagina. Can’t we just…I don’t know. Cuddle or something?”
“Damn straight,” Edward mumbled, nodding his head. “Fine, I’ll bend you over the kitchen table later.”
He rolled over, lying halfway on top of me. His head was resting on my left breast, and his hand was tracing lazy patterns over my stomach. He nuzzled my nipple.
The man was going to murder me with his dick. It was almost like he was trying to soothe his manly pride by fucking me on every surface available. I wasn’t complaining…much. It’d been a long time since I’d had that much sex, but a girl could only take so much. However, dying by orgasm was an ideal way to go.
I wrapped my arm around his back and leaned my head on his shoulder. Noticing black marks on his back, I raised up a bit. Huh. Sgt. Cullen has a tattoo on his back. Interesting.
“Let me see your back for a second.” I nudged his shoulder.
Edward raised up a bit, letting me scoot out from under him. He lay down on his stomach and interlaced his fingers, resting his chin on them. I sat up to get a closer look.
The entire piece was done in black ink and spanned across his back, from shoulder blade to shoulder blade. A man on a horse holding a lance covered his right blade, and a dragon getting skewered rested almost on the other. It was very detailed, with a town and a staircase in the background. I ran my fingers over it reverently, knowing that it had to have a special meaning for it to adorn Edward’s back. He wasn’t the type to get a tattoo just for the sake of getting inked.
“I’m such a horrible girlfriend. Until this moment, I had no idea you had a tattoo. I think it’s sexy,” I mused softly.
He turned his head toward me, grinning. “Well, I don’t make it a habit of taking off my shirt, especially when the diva’s running his crazy ass around.”
I laughed and kissed him on his nose. “Um, yeah. He’d be taking pictures of that, too.”
He was still smiling at me, and it was starting to give me a complex.
“What’s the cheesy grin for, soldier boy?” I wrinkled by brow in confusion, wondering why he kept looking at me.
“You call yourself my girlfriend,” he admitted.
Motherfuck. Where is a hole when you need one?
I had officially committed a big relationship no-no. I’d assumed being in a role that I hadn’t been asked to fill. While I’d wondered for the past week what we were to each other, in that moment, I hadn’t waited for him to confirm it. Never mind that it had slipped out unintentionally. The fact was…I’d fucked up. Big time.
“Um, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to assume—” I started to say.
His lips cut me off, effectively stopping my words. Edward kissed me deeply and pushed me back onto the mattress. Climbing on top of me, I felt myself melt into him, giving into my lust and widening my legs to accommodate him.
He broke the kiss, staring down at me. “I love that you think of yourself as my girlfriend. I already consider you as such, and I’m sorry for assuming. I should have asked you, but I’ve been too wrapped up just being with you. Forgive me?”
“Aw.” I patted his cheek in teasing. “You’re using your pretty words so you can get laid…again.”
“Is it working?” He brought his face close to mine as he asked.
“Possibly,” I admitted with a sly grin. “Tell me about this tattoo on your back, and I might let you do kinky things to me.”
Edward groaned, burying his face into my neck and thrusting his hips slightly. “I got it after I finished basic. Jake went with me. We were both supposed to get St. George tattoos, but he chickened out last minute. He screamed like a girl when he saw the needle.”
I chuckled, picturing my brother wimping out at the last moment. “Who knew big, bad Jake could be taken down by a needle?”
“Yeah, I know,” Edward said, lifting his head and staring into my eyes. “Anyway, I got it to symbolize my service in the Army and for protection.” “Protection?” I asked.
“St. George is the patron saint of soldiers,” he explained in a serious tone. “I figured it couldn’t hurt to have someone watching out for my ass.”
“Oh,” I stated dumbly.
“And he’s also the patron saint against herpes and syphilis. Doesn’t hurt to be protected from diseased whores, as well.”
I smacked his shoulder. “Bastard.”
I tried to wiggle out from under him, but he held on tight.
“Aw, did I make the pretty firecracker mad?” he asked, laughing.
“Yes, fuck off,” I bit back playfully.
“Let me make it up to you,” he whispered, biting my ear.
I moaned, unable to resist his sexy soldier voodoo. “You don’t play fair…ah, fuck!”
He spent the rest of the morning showing me just how sorry he was.
~.~.~.~
I felt like my crotch should have been packed in ice as I hobbled back to the bar. Another busy Friday night had me cursing that last session we’d had in bed. Edward had fucked me stupid, to the tune of another two orgasms, before we’d parted ways. Needing to rest before my shift after our morning romp, I’d decided to call my mom.
She had been planning our annual venison feast. Every year, when the men folk had brought back a kill, Mom and I had been in charge of cooking the animal. It hadn’t been one of my favorite things to do, but when the meat had been consumed, and it always become obvious dealing with blood and gore had been a small price to pay.
It had been one of Jake’s favorite parts of fall, eating all of the ways the deer could have been cooked. He, Dad, and Emmett had been the ones who went out hunting, and it had been well known that Jake had a hard time keeping quiet. There’d been a few times they’d come back from a particularly long hunt with Dad stating that Jake had been banned from the festivities. It had seemed the longer they had been out there in the cold, wet rain due to Jake’s big mouth had impacted whether or not he actually had gotten to eat the kill.
That year was going to be bittersweet. I’d known Edward and my father had gotten a deer their first time out, so subsequent visits hadn’t been necessary. However, Jake’s presence was going to be missed. Especially his whining if he’d scared off the deer one too many times.
“Someone’s been rode hard and put away wet,” James said in my ear.
I jerked back, seeing the diva standing next to me.
“I think it’s time to start taking prenatal vitamins,” he continued. “It’s a good idea to get as many nutrients into your system for when Baby Cullen attaches to your uterus.”
“Christ, James!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in exasperation. “My uterus is none of your business.”
“At least tell me you’re lying down afterwards for the recommended thirty minutes with a pillow under your hips!’ James demanded with his hands on his hips.
“Oh. My. God,” I said, annunciating each word. “I am not trying to get pregnant. Go away.”I shoved his arm and started to walk away.
“Hey, Edward,” he called out, skipping over to my boyfriend—God, I will never get tired of saying or thinking that—with a stack of papers clutched in his hand he’d pulled out from under the bar. Edward’s head jerked up, staring at James curiously. The rush had died, and we were just standing around, doing nothing. I walked over to see what the idiot was going to do next.
“I have some things for you, too,” James said, handing him the papers. Edward took them with a skeptical look on his face and began thumbing through them. His face turned crimson as he looked at the contents, and he started folding them frantically.
“Are you insane?” Edward asked, flustered by James’ forwardness. “Why are you giving me this?”
“Well, honey bunny, those are pre-approved sexual positions. Your little swimmers will have maximum potential to find the golden egg inside our Indian princess if you use them, and only them. Gravity is your best friend, but missionary is boring. I’ve researched all positions that will help encourage conception, and I think you’ll like doggy-style the best. You seem to be a man that likes to take his lover from behind,” James rattled off with enthusiasm.
Edward rubbed his forehead in frustration.
“The only other option is for me to coach you through the process. Now, I’m willing to play referee during your sexcapades. We just need to sit down and work out a schedule for when you two can have sex. You’re gorgeous, butter balls, but I have a life, too,” James offered with a wink.
“The day I agree to let you watch me have sex is the day I announce to the world I’m really a vampire. You have two seconds to get out of my sight before I find a gun and shoot you.” Edward crumpled up the paper in a ball and threw it at James, bouncing off his forehead and onto the floor.
~.~.~.~
I had begun to fear for Edward’s sanity. James had taken things to a new level when he’d suggested coaching us during sex. A day away from all of the stress and craziness had seemed to be a good idea.
I woke up early, after sleeping alone—much to my annoyance. Making my way down the stairs toward the diner, I saw my parents sitting in a booth, eating breakfast. I walked over to them, sliding into the seat next to Mom.
“Hey,” I said. “I have a favor to ask both of you.”
“What’s up, Bella?” Dad asked, setting his fork down on his plate.
“Um, I was thinking about taking Edward over to the reservation today, and I was wondering if I could talk you guys into switching shifts with Edward and me. We’ll work the rest of the morning and afternoon, and you two can tend the bar tonight. Pretty please, with sugar on top?” I asked while batting my eyelashes.
I chewed on my nail as I looked at my parents. I was anxious to know what their answer would be.
“Oh, that sounds fun, Charlie. I haven’t worked in the bar in ages,” Mom said in an enthusiastic tone, turning toward Dad.
“Uh, I don’t know,” Dad replied, fidgeting with his mustache. “Saturday nights are kind of busy.”
Mom scoffed and rolled her eyes at Dad. “If I remember correctly, I used to run circles around you when I worked down there. You’re just afraid I’ll end up killing that slut Renee.”
“Well, uh, yeah. That, too.” Dad’s words came out in a strange squeaking sound.
“We’re trading, Charlie. And that is that.” Mom slammed her hand down on the table.
She got up and walked back to the kitchen, leaving Dad sitting there with his mouth open.
He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Are you trying to cause me problems?”
“No, Dad,” I said, trying to salvage the situation. “I’m just trying to save my boyfriend from being convicted of murder. He’s about ready to snap with all of James’ baby talk. We haven’t even been together a month, you know.”
“Since Edward’s the only man I can picture as a son-in-law, I’ll do it. However, if your mom kills Renee, you’re helping me hide the body.” He pointed at me with a glare.
I saluted him as he exited the booth.
Convincing Edward had taken a little more finesse. When I’d arrived, a sleepy Rusty had answered the door in his boxers. I’d had to keep my hands clutched behind my back so I wouldn’t jump him. At first, when I had explained the plan, Edward had seemed reluctant. He had argued that he only knew how to cook Italian food. However, once I had clarified that it would be a James free day and night, he had gotten dressed faster than I’d ever seen before.
Working in the diner with Edward hadn’t been too bad. He had ended up burning a few things, but it hadn’t been a big deal. Things had gone downhill after Leah had arrived, though. Since I’d taken the front, Leah was the only one he could count on for cooking advice. So not a good thing.
I turned after taking an order to see black smoke coming from the opening to the kitchen in the main dining room. I raced to the back, hoping that the two hadn’t succeeded in burning the place down. Because, if they had, I was going to have to make a run for it. Mom did not play when it came to her kitchen.
“What the hell?” I yelled, opening the back door.
“It’s her fault,” Edward said quickly, pointing to Leah.
“Narc,” Leah murmured, sending Edward a glare.
I spun around, facing Edward. “Explain.”
“You see, um…she said the food would cook faster if we turned the heat up,” Edward explained rapidly.
“Okay, get out of here, Edward,” I said, shaking my head in defeat. “You can work up front. It’s really easy, and if you have any questions, come find me.”
“But I don’t know how to take orders,” he whined and stomped his foot.
I handed him the pad of tickets I had in my apron pocket. “Everything we serve is listed on these. Just mark off what they order. See? It’s a piece of cake. Now, shoo.”
He walked out of the kitchen into the main dining room.
I walked over to the grill, turned the temperature down, and began scraping the blackened char covering it.
“You know, I always thought that Mom was just giving you a hard time for no reason. Now, I’m convinced it’s justified. No wonder she rides your ass constantly.” I raised my eyebrow in challenge as I admitted it.
Leah huffed and went back to work.
The rest of the morning and afternoon had gone much smoother. Leah had been a much better cook when she had someone to supervise her. Instead of trying to find shortcuts, she stuck to how Mom had taught her to cook.
“So, how are things with Jasper?” I asked, plating some food.
“Oh, it’s great. I never thought I’d find someone interesting, but then Jasper strolls into town. I think I’m in love, Bella.” Leah sighed, wiping the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand.
I rolled my eyes.
“Not all of us can snag a sexy military man,” Leah countered with an eye roll of her own.
“Leah, I’m not saying—” I started to say.
“P.I.’s are hot, too, you know,” she interrupted and crossed her arms.
“It’s just…he was such a crappy friend to Edward. I worry about you and want to make sure he’s treating you right,” I said, hoping she’d understand my side of things.
“When have you ever known me to be a doormat, chica? Besides, he is a good guy. He told me about his relationship with that bitch. I understand why he acted the way he did. She had him all twisted up in the head, Bella.” Leah gave me a look that pleaded for me to let it go.
“Still doesn’t excuse his abandonment of Edward,” I muttered, flipping a hamburger patty.
“No, it doesn’t. I’m not trying to make excuses for him. I just want you to take into consideration that not everything is cut and dry when it comes to Jasper,” she pointed out.
I hated to admit it, but she was right. Since he’d come to Forks, I hadn’t had the desire to get to know him. He’d hurt Edward, and it had been enough for me to put him on my shit list. If Edward had been willing to forgive him, though, what right did I have to hold a grudge? He had been a stranger to me and had become friends with Emmett, someone who had been like a brother to me.
My bias didn’t seem right, so I decided to get to know Jasper better. I owed it to Edward, at the very least.
“You’re right,” I admitted with a sigh. “I haven’t been fair to Jasper. However, he fucks up once, and he’s dog food.”
Leah chuckled, pulling me into a hug. “Thanks, Bella. He really isn’t that big of an asshole.”
~.~.~.~
I pulled up in front of a small, ramshackle house nestled inside the tiny reservation of La Push. The siding was painted red and the trim was white. I had many fond memories of the house, from the first time I had skinned my knee to learning about my heritage. It was one of my favorite places in the world.
Edward exited the passenger’s side the same time I left the vehicle. A tall, older man stood on the porch with his arms crossed, and a smile on his face. It had been too long since I’d visited. I ran up the steps and hugged him.
“It’s nice to see you, Bella. Been a long time since you’ve come to see me,” he said, pulling back to look at me.
“I know. I promise to be better about it, Grandpa Billy.” I smiled up at him.
I left my grandfather’s embrace and saw Edward standing off to the side awkwardly.
“Granddad, this is Edward,” I said, motioning to him.
Grandpa Billy looked at him, sizing him up. He must have seen something he liked in Edward, because he offered his hand. Edward took it to shake.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Black,” Edward stated politely.
“Now, none of this ‘Mr. Black’ nonsense. My daughter told me you were Jake’s best friend in the Army, and you’re also dating Bella. You’re practically family already. Call me Billy, Granddad, or Grandpa Billy. Your choice.” Granddad chuckled and shook his head in amusement.
“Thanks, uh, Billy,” Edward stuttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Now, you and your beau get in the house. I want to meet the guy everyone has been talking about,” Grandpa Billy said, ushering us in.
Walking into Granddad’s home was like walking into tranquility itself. The scent of sandalwood, tobacco, and spice lingered in the air. The slightly worn furniture gave the room a comfortable feel. It was the one place I always felt completely at peace.
Edward and I sat down on the couch with our thighs touching, while Grandpa Billy took an armchair next to us. We sat back at the same time, intertwining our fingers and laying them on Edward’s lap.
“Tell me about yourself, Edward.” Granddad settled into his chair and trained his gaze directly at Edward.
“Well, sir…I mean, um, Billy. I was in the Army for seven years before we were ambushed. We were hit with sniper fire, and the Jeep we were riding in was obliterated by a roadside bomb. It messed up my knee bad enough that I almost lost my leg, not to mention, it put me in a coma from a head injury,” Edward explained.
I closed my eyes, leaning my head on Edward’s shoulder. Hearing him talk about his last day in Afghanistan didn’t get any better over time. Not only was it the day I had lost my brother, but he had almost died, too. I couldn’t imagine a life without him after I’d let down my walls and gotten to know him. The world would be a very dreary place if Edward Cullen wasn’t in it.
My mind drifted to darker things, and I started to wonder what would have happened if Edward had come home like Jake had. Would his family and friends have honored him the way we had Jake? Would his parents and sister have cried when the preacher committed his body to the ground? Would they have stood by his…and waited for him to be at peace?
The answers, I realized, were all no.
No one in his life had ever acted like they gave a damn about Edward, from what I had learned. They hadn’t seen the loving, kind, and caring person sitting next to me. Instead, what they had seen was a disappointment. It sickened and saddened me to know that my family, friends, myself, and maybe Jasper, were the only people who cared about him at all.
I shivered, trying to pull my mind away from my thoughts. Edward must have sensed where I had gone, because he reached around and pulled me tight against him. I loved that man, and I vowed to tell him soon.
“I’m sorry, Edward,” Grandpa Billy apologized, looking down.
“Along with myself, eight others were injured. Four, including Jake, perished that day. However, we all knew the risks we were taking,” Edward admitted, bowing his head.
“Still, what happened to you is not trivial. The spirits blessed you and allowed you to return home.” He nodded, convinced of his observation.
“I’m grateful…more than you’ll ever know. But…when people like Jake die, it’s hard to come to the terms that a man like me lived,” Edward argued, shifting uncomfortably next to me.
“Nonsense.” Granddad waved his hand and shook his head. “Jake could always see a person for who they are, and if he was friends with you, then you are a great man. Bella, well, she has her own way of weeding out men who have no character. Since you’re together, that says something.”
Grandpa Billy leaned back in his chair, looking right at Edward. The man had said his piece, and Edward didn’t argue. I was sure Edward had a hard time coming up with a retort. Then again, many had tried and failed to make the old man budge when he’d made a decision about someone. Grandpa Billy was more stubborn than all of the Swans and Blacks put together. Edward would not win.
“Now, let’s leave all of this sad talk behind us. Tell me about your family,” Granddad insisted.
“That, I’m afraid, is another sad story. They didn’t support my decision to enter the military, and we’re not exactly on speaking terms at the moment.” Edward looked down as he explained.
“Their loss then. I have it on good authority from Sue that you’ve fit in quite well with the Swan clan. I’m beginning to see why.” Grandpa Billy smiled at me.
“Um, yeah. Mom would probably chase after Edward if he tried to leave. Dad most likely would, too. Some days, I think they like him more than me,” I admitted with a snort.
“He is better behaved than you, so I can understand,” Billy joked with a twinkle in his eye.
Edward laughed.
“Oh, hush.” I smacked Edward’s arm as I scolded my grandfather.
The sounds of banging interrupted our chat. Grandpa Billy was the first to get up and look out the window. Whatever was out there irritated him, because he stomped towards the door seconds after he’d peered out.
“Sometimes, I wonder if that boy was really switched at birth,” he mused, walking out the door.
Edward gave me a questioning look, but I pulled him up as I stood. Granddad’s words could only mean one thing.
Uncle Harry was causing a scene…again.
Once Edward and I reached the porch, we were met with a sight no human on earth should be exposed to…
Uncle Harry sprawled out on a blanket.
Butt ass naked.
“Whoa!” Edward yelled, spinning around. I turned my own back and was shocked.
“What in the ever loving hell are you doing, Harry?” Grandpa Billy’s voice called out.
“I’m waiting for it to rain. The water feels nice on my skin when the raindrops hit it. I also thought I could collect some rainwater in the process,” I heard Harry call out.
“Put your clothes on. Can’t you see I have company? Besides, how am I going to explain this to my neighbors?” Granddad questioned his son. When I turned back around, Harry was wearing pants. Thank fucking God. I also noticed there were five or six pans lined along the blanket. Harry hadn’t been lying—he really was going to collect water.
“Why are you here?” Granddad continued, looking frustrated. “You have your own house. Be indecent over there.”
“Your land is warmer,” Harry argued, waving to Granddad’s property line. “The trees block the wind here. In my yard, I can feel the cold.”
“Go home, Harry,” Billy said in a flat tone.
“I will, but when I get sick, you’ll be sad,” Harry warned, throwing his hand up in the air.
He picked up the rest of his clothes, the blanket, and the pots. Harry walked down the street shirtless. I wondered for the umpteenth time how we were related.
“This is just more proof that your Grandma was lying when I asked her if Harry ever licked the lead paint on his crib. It’s the only way I can explain his behavior now. That boy is going to drive me into an early grave, and then the tribe will be in trouble,” Billy said, shaking his head.
Edward and I tried hard to hold in our laughs, following behind Grandpa Billy.
The rest of the time we spent at my grandfather’s house had been nice. None of the heavier topics had been broached. Instead, he had told us stories about the tribe and some of our legends. Edward had raised an eyebrow at me a couple of times in disbelief. I had to laugh, because I had been sure he thought I had been joking before. I hadn’t…our ancestors had to have been on something to come up with most of them.
By the time we were ready to leave, the sky had started to turn dark. Grandpa Billy had made me promise to come back sometime soon and bring Edward. I had agreed and had been happy that he’d taken to Edward so quickly. We had left with hugs, making our way to my car.
“So, it wasn’t so bad, was it?” I asked, teasing.
“No, not at all. I really like your grandfather,” Edward said with a smile.
He turned to get into the passenger side but stopped. Something had caught his eye, causing him to leave the car with the door open. Curious as to what he had seen, I followed him.
A few moments later, we were standing in front of Grandpa Billy’s rusted out old Ford. The symbolism wasn’t lost on me. Nor had it been on Edward.
“I was beginning to think this thing didn’t exist.” Edward murmured, running his hand lightly over the hood with extra care.
“Yeah, it’s such a shame. There was a time when it was cherry red, but over the years, the rain rusted it out. You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but it runs great. Jake kept up on the maintenance for the engine until he left for the Army. He had said he was going to work on the exterior for Granddad when he returned home, but…” I said, letting the sentence hang in the air.
“Such a shame.” Edward shook his head.
“Well, the bright side is that you’ve finally met your namesake. Let me properly introduce you. Edward, this is Fanny. Fanny…Edward.”
Edward grabbed his stomach and laughed loudly. “Fanny? Who names a truck Fanny?”
“My grandfather.” I playfully glared. “I’ll have you know that Fanny is a very respectable name, according to Grandpa Billy.”
“I’ll bet,” Edward continued to chuckle. “Don’t worry, old girl, I’ll find you a better name.”
We stood in front of the truck for a few more minutes and then went back to the car. Our hands were clasped together, swinging between us. We talked about non-consequential things on the way. A group of three had gathered around the car, though, and made me stop.
“Bella, what—” Edward started to say, stopping when he realized what I’d seen.
“I thought we’d never see you in these parts again,” Quil said, walking closer toward us. The other two, who I recognized as Sam and—fuck—Embry followed behind him. I gripped Edward’s waist tight, burying my head into his chest. I knew things were about to get ugly, and I needed to be as close to him as possible.
“Well, there you are, whore,” I heard Embry’s voice say. “I was wondering when you were going to stop hiding. If you get over here, right now, I won’t hurt your friend.”
“Bella isn’t going anywhere,” Edward said, pushing me behind him. “In fact, if you don’t leave right this moment, every last one of you will be sorry you didn’t while you had the chance.”
I heard Sam scoff. “What are you going to do, pale face? There are three of us and one of you. The odds are in our favor.”
“Stay right here,” Edward whispered into my hair. He let go of me and pushed me behind him. I stood shaking as Edward took two steps toward them.
“I’m only going to say this once. This is the last time any of you talk to Bella that way. She is not your property, Embry,” he sneered, emphasizing my ex’s name. “Nor is she any concern of yours.”
He looked pointedly to Quil and Sam.
“Aw, fuck this noise,” Embry said, balling up his fists. “White boy’s about to get his ass kicked.”
Embry lunged for Edward, but missed when Edward side stepped him. He fell to the ground, landing on his elbows. Quil came at Edward next and took a swing. Edward caught it, and twisted Quil’s arm behind his back. Sam turned and walked away when he saw that Edward wasn’t someone to be fucked with.
Edward pushed Quil away, making him fall on his ass. I screamed when Embry took advantage of Edward. He had been distracted by watching for Quil to stand back up. Embry had gotten up and pushed Edward to the ground, jumping on top of him and throwing punches.
Determined that Embry was not going to win, I ignored Edward’s plea and jogged over to where the two were. A hand grabbing my wrist stopped me. I turned and saw holding me.
Something inside of me woke up, and I decided that I wasn’t going to be the victim anymore. I twisted against his thumb and up over his arm, breaking his hold on me. He reached for me again, and I brought my knee up, hitting him in the groin.
“You stupid bitch,” Quil sneered as he slumped over.
I stomped on the top of his foot, while trying to put as much space between us as possible. When he went to reach for me a third time, I elbowed him in the nose. Blood gushed from the spot, making him scream.
He stormed toward me. I ran, trying to see if I could find anything to use. A thick branch caught my eye, and I picked it up. The moment Quil came into sight, I swung, making contact with his shoulder. He roared and came at me again. I hit him with it one last time in the head, and a sickening thud resonated through the night, causing him to fall.
I pushed his shoulder with my foot, and when he didn’t move, I knew I had successfully knocked him out. Dropping the piece of wood, I ran back to where Edward and Embry were. If anyone can hear me up there, please let Edward be safe, I thought.
Edward and Embry had switched positions when I reached them. It was Edward who was on top of Embry, hitting Embry in the face. Edward was talking, but I couldn’t hear him. I walked closer to the pair, and I could make out the words.
“—think its okay to hit women? Bella wants nothing to do with you, and you’re going to respect that. If I ever see you even look at her again, I’ll kill you. Stay away from her—she is mine!” he snarled in Embry’s ear.
Edward landed one last punch at Embry’s face, knocking him unconscious. He stood up, looking down at my ex-boyfriend in disgust. Breathing heavily, Edward looked around, surveying the scene. I stayed where I was, still in shock, when his eyes found mine.
The moment he noticed I was standing there, he walked quickly toward me. His hands reached up, cupping my face. Edward pressed his forehead to mine. “Baby, please talk to me. I’m so sorry I scared you, but I had to do it. They were going to hurt you and me, and I had to protect us,” he begged as he pressed his face close to mine.
“I’m okay, Edward,” I said, finding my voice.
He closed his eyes tightly. “I don’t know what I would have done if he’d have gotten his hands on you. I promised I’d kick his ass before he’d ever get a chance to touch you, love. I meant it. I will kill him the next time he comes after you.”
On some level, I knew his words, as well as his rage, should have frightened me. I couldn’t find one part of myself that felt fear towards Edward, though. He had kept me from the one thing I’d been afraid of, and I knew that he’d never hurt me. He was my protector and lover all rolled into one. He was my safe harbor and home.
“I know. I just hope it never comes to that. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I admitted, looking up at him.
“Same here, love. Me neither,” he said.
He pulled me into a tight embrace, murmuring words of love in my ear. I melted into him and took his comfort.
“Did you see where that other punk went?” he asked as he looked behind me.
“Who? Sam, the tall one?” I questioned with a confused expression.
“No, the other one. I saw that Sam guy take off.” Edward swiveled his head, looking around.
I took a deep breath. I knew that he was not going to like what I had to say, but I wasn’t going to lie to him. We’d worked too hard and had come too far to shatter what we’d built with falsehoods.
“He, uh, he came after me,” I whispered, hoping he wasn’t going get too upset.
Edward growled and pulled me closer. “Are you okay?”
“I did what you taught me and kicked his ass,” I stated proudly, moving away from him slightly.
He smiled that crooked grin that made me want to worship his cock. “I’m so glad I thought to teach you.”
Edward began looking over me, checking for injuries. I wanted to roll my eyes at him, but I thought better of it. I knew that he needed to do it, so he could ease his own mind.
“You seemed to be all right,” he murmured as he caressed my wrist. “If that bastard would have left a mark on you, though, he’d be a dead man right now.”
The look in his eye told me that he was serious. I knew it would probably be a good idea if we didn’t visit La Push anytime in the near future, otherwise Edward would end up in jail. I let him drive when we reached the car, because I was still too shaken up to do it myself.
~.~.~.~
We had planned on stopping by the bar after we’d gotten back from La Push. Edward had wanted to see my mom in action, but I hadn’t been sure if it was still a good idea. The both of us had been through a pretty terrifying ordeal, and I for one, had just wanted to go back to Edward’s apartment and snuggle.
Edward, however, had other ideas. He had been convinced that we should go ahead with it, because he hadn’t wanted Embry’s bullshit to ruin our night. I had reluctantly agreed, and we had entered Downstairs through the customer entrance.
The place was in full swing when we arrived. Mom, Dad, and James were serving the thirsty masses with precision. It had been a long time since I’d seen Mom in action, but she was still the best bartender in Forks. I noticed Renee had been seated on the far side of the counter…at James’ end.
Edward slung his arm over my shoulder and pulled me with him toward my parents and James. We stood back for a few moments, watching them work. My dad was the first to notice us.
“What the fuck happened to you, Edward!” Dad yelled, slamming the bottle in his hand on the counter.
He rushed out from behind the bar, stopping right in front of Edward. Charlie’s brow was furrowed in confusion. His outburst caught the attention of the rest of the crowd, and Mom gasped when she looked at us.
“Oh, are you okay?” my mother asked in shock.
She walked over to Edward, as well, looking him over.
“I’m fine,” Edward promised, grabbing my mother’s hands.
“But…you have some cuts on your face. What the hell?” she questioned she continued to check him over with her eyes.
Edward walked over to a stool, sitting down and pulling me onto his lap. He nuzzled his face in my hair, probably getting blood in it. I didn’t give a damn at that moment, though. He was my fucking hero, and he could cover me in as much gore and blood as he wanted.
“Oh, baby cakes, tell me who did this to you!” James demanded with a hand on his hip. “I need names so I know whose face to rip off for mangling yours.”
“Uh, thanks, James,” Edward said with a grimace. “It’s not necessary for you to get all hyper, though. I took care of the situation.”
“What’s your middle name?” Mom asked as she raised her brow.
“Why?” Edward questioned.
“Just tell me,” Mom said in a no nonsense tone.
“Anthony,” Edward said with embarrassment.
“Edward Anthony Cullen!” Mom hollered and threw up her hands. “What in the hell do you think you are doing putting yourself in a dangerous situation? You could have been hurt badly. My heart can’t take another one of my boys getting seriously hurt.”
I heard Edward take in a shaky breath when Mom called him one of her boys. Knowing his background with his own parents, I was aware those words had affected him greatly. I squeezed his neck, trying to convey that I was happy my mother had accepted him as one of her own.
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” Edward replied, bowing his head in shame.
“Now, there will be no more of this ‘ma’am’ business. As far as I’m concerned, you’re mine. So, if it doesn’t bother you, I’d like for you to call me Mom from now on,” Mom demanded in a no nonsense tone.
“Okay…Mom,” Edward said with a grin.
“What happened though?” Dad asked, pulling Mom into his side. “I thought you two were going down to the reservation. I assumed you went and saw Grandpa Billy.”
“We did,” I answered.
“Embry and his fucktards showed up when we were leaving,” Edward said through clenched teeth.
“Fucking bastard.” Charlie narrowed his eyes.
“He thought that he was going to take Bella with him. I showed him with my fists that it wasn’t going to happen,” Edward added, wrapping his arms around me tighter.
“Well, thank God you were there,” Mom said in relief.
“Can we please kill him now?” James asked, interrupting us.
I rolled my eyes. “Stay out of it, James.”
“One of his other friends pulled a pussy move and grabbed Bella when I was occupied with beating the shit out of that worthless fuck, but she held her own,” Edward proudly admitted.
“Is that true?” Charlie looked at me skeptically.
“Edward taught me self defense. I kicked Quil’s ass,” I said with a nod.
Charlie looked from me to Edward in shock. Edward nodded slowly toward him, letting him know it was true.
“Well, I’ll be damned. Good job, kid,” Dad said, patting me on the shoulder.
“I’d love to stay and chat,” I said, standing from Edward’s lap. “But I need to get my man upstairs so I can clean him up. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
My parents hugged us both, making us promise to call them if we needed anything. We agreed. James smiled at us and let Edward know that he was sexier than the Terminator because “Arnold looks like a juiced up freak.”
I made Edward go into his apartment while I gathered some clothes and other essentials from my own. Once I had everything, I went over to his and helped him get cleaned up in his bathroom. It began with me cleaning his face with a wash cloth, but we ended up in the shower together. We washed each other slowly and gently, needing the intimacy. When we were finished, I dressed the wounds on his face.
The moment we climbed into the bed and settled in, our bodies gravitated toward each other. I wrapped myself around him, soaking up the warmth and love only he could provide. As I drifted to sleep in Edward’s arms, I knew that I had found the one person I could spend the rest of my life with. I was finally home.
