AVitD-Chapter 14

Chapter 14~ To New Beginnings

Bella woke to the feeling of strong cold arms wrapped around her.  She smiled to herself.  It wasn’t a sexual thing to sleep in Carlisle’s embrace at night; it was a comforting thing.  He gave her a sense of peace and security that she relished.  It was something she had missed terribly the night before and she never wanted to be without it or him ever again.  Bella rolled over to face her blond guardian angel as he loosened his hold on her slightly.  He smiled at the serene look on her face.

“Good morning beautiful.  Sweet dreams?” he asked in his velvety soft voice.

She nodded and closed her eyes to work through the last of her sleepiness.  The bed dipped as Carlisle leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.  She opened her eyes and met his golden ones.  She sighed in disappointment.  Why doesn’t he kiss me?  He said he loved me.  Did he say that just so I wouldn’t leave?  Oh God!  What have I done?  I told him I loved him too!  She quickly schooled her emotions so as to not give anything away.

Carlisle saw a quick spectrum of emotions play across her face, but he dismissed it thinking she must still be drowsy from the night before.

“Why don’t you go take a shower and get ready for the day and I will go and prepare your breakfast.” He offered as he sat up in one smooth motion.

“I can make my own breakfast, Carlisle.” She protested.

Carlisle shook his head, “I have plans for us today and would like to get started out as soon as possible because we have a bit of a drive.”

“Plans?” she cocked her head to the side questioning him.

“Yes, plans Miss Nosey,” he tapped her nose with his index finger and winked, “Now get moving and dress warmly.  That is all I will tell you.  You will just have to be patient to find out more.” He said with a playful smile.

She loved this side of Carlisle.  It showed his eternally youthful twenty-tree year old self instead of the erudite leader of three hundred plus years.  As much as she was not a fan of surprises, she refused to ruin Carlisle’s fun.  So Bella pushed her inner doubts away and hopped out of bed.  In the next minute she was in the washroom starting the water in the shower to warm it up.

Forty minutes later Bella walked into the kitchen to be greeted by the delicious smell of freshly baked blueberry muffins and coffee.  She stopped to savor the aroma before making her way to the table. 

Carlisle turned to take in the sight in front of him.  Bella was dressed in jeans that hugged her curves in a way that should be outlawed.  She was wearing a grey long sleeve tee and a dark green down filled vest.  Her hair, that now reached the middle of her back, was done in a simple braid.  She looked perfect.

“Carlisle, these smell amazing.  How is it that a vampire who has never eaten muffins can make something that smells and I’m sure tastes so good?” Bella fawned as she sat at the table where two muffins with melting butter on top and cup of coffee sat in wait.

“He smiled at her compliment, “I just followed the directions.  Once I could no longer smell the raw egg and flour, I knew they were done.  Are they good?” he asked as he watched her take a bite.

“Mmmmm,” her eyes closed as she let the smell and taste of the warm muffin play on her senses.  The blueberries exploded as she bit down on them starting another round of moans.

Carlisle felt himself harden at the pleasure he was observing Bella take from something he made. He quickly sat down in front of his laptop to hide his situation.

“Good is the understatement of the year.” Bella proclaimed, “These are unbelievable.  Where did you find fresh blueberries this time of year?”

“Alice has her ways.  I swear she enjoys shopping for anything; including fruit.” He chuckled.

Bella laughed with him, “Speaking of her, where is the pixie and tall, blond and southern?”  She looked around and listened realizing that there were no other sounds in the house, “In fact, where is everyone this morning?” she inquired.

“They went for a day trip to hunt.  It has been a while since they have really stretched their legs and gone for a good long hunt.  They will be back later this evening.” Carlisle explained.

Breakfast continued in companionable silence as Carlisle read the news online.  He used to feel this was in poor taste to do so as Bella ate, but she informed him that it was worse manners to stare at her as she ate her food.  She finished the two giant muffins along with her coffee then proceeded to clean her dishes.  Carlisle busied himself making a thermos of hot cocoa to take with them.  Bella watched him, but she did not ask any questions; though it was killing her not to.

She slipped on her boots and went to grab her coat, but Carlisle stood smiling holding up a brand new ski jacket for her to put on.  He stepped into his own boots and a similar jacket.  He didn’t plan on running into any humans for the first part of their day, but he was a master of keeping up appearances.

They walked out to the garage and Bella stopped short when she saw Carlisle stop at the passenger side of Emmett’s jeep.

“We’re not taking the Mercedes?” she asked as she took his proffered hand.

“Not today,” he answered while giving her a boost up into her seat, “The jeep is more suitable for the terrain.” He explained as he helped her with the seatbelt.

Carlisle gave her another mysterious smile and closed the door before jumping up into his seat a second later.  Long gone were the days when their unnatural speed startled her.  It was as normal as seeing them play X-Box or watch TV.  It was just who they were and she accepted them and their nature completely.

Bella looked at the jeep, “So Emmett won the bet then?  I don’t see any damage.”

Carlisle chuckled and pointed to the pile of scrap metal in the corner of the garage, “Not quite.  Rosalie worked her magic and repaired the damage last night while you slept.  She knew we needed the jeep for today.”

He started the engine and they were on their way.  From the internal compass in the jeep she knew they were headed north.

The ride to their destination was pretty uneventful.  Bella often took opportunities to ask Carlisle about his past and about becoming a vampire herself.  She knew she needed to decide on whether or not she would live out the course of her natural life or become a vampire; thereby forfeiting her human life. Carlisle had promised to stay with her either way, but she was unsure if she would be willing to ask that of him if she decided to stay human.

“Was it hard to live this life before you found Esme?” she asked softly.

It had become easier to talk about Esme and Edward as time went on.  They often shared memories of their lost loves and found comfort knowing they both understood the pain of the other.

Carlisle thought about her question for a moment before answering, “There are many things about this life that present impediments.  Being a ‘vegetarian’ is probably the greatest of these.  I have found that over the years this has become less difficult with people of a like mind around.  Edward and Esme were the first members of our family.  They made my life more complete.  The addition of the others had a similar impact.  I would never choose to live this life alone again now that I know what it is like to have a family.”

Bella thought about what he said but he didn’t answer the question she was really asking.  She chose her next words carefully, “But having known love, given the choice, would you choose eternity without someone to love?”

She looked to him with as calm of a façade as she could muster.  She did not want to give anything away.  She was already doubting the wisdom of declaring her love for him when it now seemed that he did not see her in the same way.  Bella did not think that Carlisle had lied to her; just that his sense of love for her may have been more familiar rather than the kind of love between a man and a woman.  She understood that he had loved Esme like no other.  She never expected that he could look at her or anyone else the way he used to look at his first mate, but she had hoped.

Carlisle understood what Bella was asking of him.  Would he choose this life with the knowledge that he would spend it as a bachelor?  Would he be happy living the rest of his time without someone to love him?  Without Bella’s love?  No.  He knew he would not.  Why is she asking this question?  Didn’t she hear me tell her I love her?  Didn’t she reciprocate the same?

His focus returned to the drive as it became a bit more tricky to maneuver as they were now on an off road path.  They ascended up the side of a hill; the jeep’s four-wheel-drive handling the incline with ease.  Soon Carlisle pulled the jeep to a stop on a plateau and engaged the emergency brake.  He unhooked his seatbelt and turned towards Bella.  He searched her eyes to see if he could get a read on her thoughts before answering her question.

“I understand what you are asking, but Bella, this decision can only be made by you.  None of us were given the opportunity to contemplate this existence.  I can’t tell you which choice to make, but I can tell you this,” he reached out and gently took her warm hand into his cold one, “you will never be alone in this life.  I will always be there for you.  And even if you decide to remain human, I will be there for you as long as you walk this earth.”

Bella heard the truth in his words and knew that he would always be there for her.  She nodded in understanding.  Silence engulfed them.

She couldn’t continue on this path or she might break down.  Attempting to lighten the mood she asked, “So, where are you taking me today?”

He smiled as he gestured to the outside of the jeep, “We’re here.”

He got out of the jeep and came around to help Bella down from the exaggerated height of her seat.  When she jumped down Carlisle had his hands on her waist bringing her close to his sculpted body for a moment before he stepped back to allow Bella her personal space.  Her feet sunk into the snow up to the top of her boots.  Carlisle took her gloved hand and walked her to the back of the jeep.  He opened it up to reveal ski boots, skis and poles for each of them.

“Skiing?” her voice squeaked.

“That’s the plan.  Have you ever?” he asked as he started to unload the equipment.

She looked at him like he had just given birth to a giant wolf, “I am still alive, aren’t I?” her voice was laced with sarcasm, “I hope you brought you little black bag doc, cause I don’t see this day ending well for me.”

Carlisle smiled at her as he boosted her up to sit on the back of the jeep.  He slipped her boots off and replaced them with the ski boots.  He stood upright in front of her and slipped a beanie cap on her head; covering her ears.

“Bella, do you believe I would let anything happen to you?” his eyes searching hers.  She shook her head in response.  He smiled at the apprehension in her features, “Then trust me.  You will love this.  I have been skiing for years and it is great fun.” He reached up and pulled her bottom lip free from her teeth. “I promise I will not let you get hurt.  Are you ready?”

This time Bella nodded and gave a small smile.  He leaned forward and kissed her forehead before changing out his boots and stepping into his skis.  He handed her a pair of gloves that matched her jacket.  Carlisle set Bella’s skis on the ground in front of her.  He helped her step into them until the boots locked in place.

He made sure she was steady and holding the jeep as he got a winch line from the front of the jeep and threw the length down the side of the hill.  He took another line and anchored the jeep to a large tree opposite to the hillside.  He came back and slipped on a backpack which Bella assumed carried medical supplies just in case.

“The first few times down I am going to have you hold the poles and I will hold your waist while we go down tandem.  When you feel more comfortable, you can let me know and try going on your own.”

“Okay.” She said as she tried to get her nerves settled.

She trusted Carlisle.  He would not let her get hurt.  He cared for her; of that she had no doubt.  She allowed him to guide her to the edge of the hill. It didn’t look too steep and the path was clear of trees and other obstacles.  He looped the poles in her hands then he slid behind her with his skis parallel and to the outside of hers.  He felt her heart rate accelerate.  So he pulled her body flush against his and wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Shhh, relax sweetheart.  I’ve got you.” He whispered.

She melted into his disarming hold.  He felt her loosen up under his touch.  He loved that she reacted to him this way.  Her trust in him was having a certain repeat effect on his body.  He loosened his grip on her so he could allow for some space between their bodies so as to not make her aware of his problem.  He let his hands slide to her waist.

“Okay, now just lean forward and push off with the poles.”

Bella tightened her hold around the handles and did as she was told.  She let out a strangled squeak as she started slowly down the hill.  She felt Carlisle’s grip tighten; reminding her that he was right there with her.  He gave her instructions to shift this way or that to turn her skis.  His skis were right against hers in case she went off course, he could bring her right back.  Bella held her breath as they glided down the hill.  It felt amazing! 

As they neared the bottom of a hill they began to lessen in speed.  Carlisle let them come to a natural stop once their momentum died off.  Bella was giggling like a little girl.  He stepped out from behind her to see the smile that stretched from ear to ear on her wind kissed cheeks.  Her laughter died off suddenly and Carlisle looked at her with concern.

“What’s wrong?  Did you not enjoy that?”

“No!” she said shaking her head vigorously, “That was so much fun I can hardly stand it.  But,” she turned to face the hill they had just descended, “how are we supposed to get back up there?” she asked pointing up.

It was Carlisle’s turn to laugh.  He took off his back pack and pulled out a sturdy looking leather belt with a large ‘D’ ring.

“Do it yourself ski lift,” he explained as he looped the belt around his waist.

He guided Bella over to the side of the hill closest to the front of the jeep.  He found the end of the winch line and linked it to his belt.  He took the poles and hooked them on his backpack and pulled Bella in front of him.

“Now, keep your legs straight and your skis facing forward.  Lean back a touch.  There, don’t worry; I’ve got you.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her tight.  He reached for his keys with his free hand and pressed a button on the keychain.  Soon they were being slowly pulled back up the hill.  Bella started laughing again; this time, a slightly nervous laugh.  She reached down and held onto Carlisle’s arm and leaned back into his chest.  This is almost as good as going down the hill, she thought.

Once they made it to the top, Carlisle unhooked the winch and threw it back down the hill.  He got set up with Bella at the edge and asked, “Are you ready to go again.”

She nodded happily, “Yep.  Let’s do this.”

Her laughter echoed off the mountains around them and it made Carlisle’s dead heart feel like it could soar.

On the fifth run Bella decided she was going to try it on her own.  Carlisle grabbed a second set of poles for himself and let her go down before him.  She weaved and wobbled a few times, but recovered nicely.

She reached the bottom and froze for a moment until the realization hit that she made it without falling.  Then she jumped and turned herself around doing a mini happy dance.  Carlisle couldn’t help the laugh that burst out at the sight before him.  She was glorious like this; youthful, fun-loving and absolutely beautiful.

“Can we go again?” she asked excitedly.

“Of course!” he happily responded as he hooked up the winch and pressed the button once more.

Bella got a little ahead of herself on the next run down the hill and lost control.  She screamed out before she wiped out on the packed snow.

“Oh no,” Carlisle whispered as he flew down the hill to be by her side.  He quickly kicked off his skis and ran to Bella; hovering over her slightly twisted body in the snow.

Her body was shaking, but when Carlisle took a second to look, he realized she was shaking with silent laughter.  He breathed a sigh of relief as he took in her unadulterated joy.  He closed his eyes thanking God that she was alright.  Bella looked at the angel above her.  He was so perfectly beautiful and she couldn’t contain the urge to kiss him.  If he wasn’t going to make the next move, then it was up to her.  Carlisle’s eyes remained closed when he was acutely aware of feeling Bella’s hot breath on his lips a split second before her sweet lips pressed against his.  Her fingers laced into his soft blond locks as he responded to the kiss. 

He knew vampires did not sleep nor could they dream, but that was exactly what he thought he was doing.  And if this was a dream, he did not want to open his eyes and make her disappear.  But his eyes did open because he had to know that she was real and was really kissing him.  His golden orbs took in the most amazing sight he had ever beheld.  Bella was there beneath him in the snow and she was kissing him.  He brought his hand up and gingerly cupped the side of her face as her tongue peaked out to lick his lips.  He groaned as the heat seemed to run through him like an open flame.  Her touch awakened something inside him that had lain dormant for nearly a year.  He felt desire build from deep inside him and he thrusted his hardened manhood into her thigh.  Instantly regretting it; fearing he would offend her or frighten her.  Neither of which were a concern any longer as Bella moaned into his mouth at the feeling of his erection on her leg.  She did this to him and she loved it.

It was the most erotic kiss she had ever experienced.  His tongue reached out and caressed hers in such a way it made her toes curl inside her boots.  He continued to gently touch and stroke the side of her face with one hand as the other found its way to her hip.  He rubbed small circles there until it ventures lower and he squeezed her thigh as he pushed his titanium rod into her other leg once more.

“Mmm Carlisle,” she said as she was forced to turn her face to catch her breath, “Please, don’t stop.”

Her words were like the most beautiful song ever sung.  He kissed her chin and down the center of her throat and back up the side of her neck, licking the vein that pulsed with her delicious life force just below the surface of her delicate skin.  The sensation of his cool tongue on her heated neck caused her hips to buck up into his leg begging for friction.

“My Bella, you taste like heaven.” He whispered as he suckled on the shell of her ear ever so gently.

Bella having been away from his lips long enough turned into him and pressed her supple lips into his marble ones.  The contrast in their body temperatures was emphasized by the cold of the snow around them.  It felt so good; too good to stop, but reason began to bang around in Carlisle’s head.  And as much as he never wanted to pull his lips away from his angel, he knew it wasn’t healthy for her to lay in the snow with an ice block on top of her.

“Bella, how about we take this to a warmer location?  Unless you want to keep skiing?” he asked only marginally serious.

Bella nodded as his lips nipped hers, “All done skiing.  And I will go anywhere with you as long as we can continue this.”

Carlisle stood up and pulled Bella along with him.  He kissed her again once they were upright.  Now that he knew what it was like to kiss her, he didn’t want to stop.  Bella knew what it was like to kiss a vampire, but this was Carlisle’s first experience kissing a human; even when he was one.  Back in his human life he was being groomed to take his father’s position as the head of their church.  He had been so busy with studies and assisting his father in his hunt for the evil in the world that he had yet to seek out a wife.  When he was changed, he had remained celibate until he found and changed Esme.  So for all intents and purposes, this was uncharted territory for him.  He felt young again having this new experience and he smiled in spite of himself against Bella’s mouth.  She broke off the kiss and looked at him quizzically.

“What is that smile for?” she asked.

If he could have blushed, he would have been candy apple red, “Nothing.  I just really enjoy kissing you.”

Bella giggled…and blushed, “Well I really enjoy kissing you too.” She punctuated by bringing her lips back to his.

He reluctantly straightened up and led Bella over to the winch line for one last trip up the hill.  He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck during the slow ascent.  It gave Bella a combination of chills and heat that caused her whole body to shiver.  Once they made their way to the jeep, Carlisle helped Bella out of her skis and boots.  Back in their seats, they picked up where they had left off.  Bella cursed the gear shift which stopped her from getting as close as she wanted.

Her hands seem to automatically find their way into his thick flaxen hair.  Her nails scraped his scalp in such a delicious way that Carlisle began to purr.  Bella froze in surprise and her eyes popped open as the kiss stopped along with the purring.

“Carlisle, did you just…purr?” she asked warily.

Again Carlisle was eternally grateful that he was unable to blush.  He cleared his throat.  Though it was totally unnecessary, it gave him an extra second before answering.

“Yes.” He answered almost timidly.

Bella giggled again, “I like it.”

Her eyes deepened in color as her arousal spiked and Carlisle could taste it on the air. He did not want to take her like this; in the front seat of Emmett’s jeep.  All of the sudden Bella’s stomach growled; giving him the escape he was looking for.

“We should get going.  You haven’t eaten since this morning and with all the exertion, you must be famished.” He quickly said as he reached across her body to buckle her in.

Bella wanted to protest but her stomach demon let out another grumble so she nodded in defeat.  The ride down the hill was lighter; more relaxed than the trip up.  Carlisle reached to pull her left hand into his right which he proceeded to hold the rest of the time.  He repeatedly traced tiny circles around each knuckle with his thumb.  Every few minutes he would lift her hand to his mouth to place the gentlest of kisses on the back of her hand, her knuckles or finger tips.  The gesture was sweet and sensual all at the same time.

They pulled up to a small restaurant that had a log cabin exterior and a quiet understated interior.  Bella worried that she was underdressed, but Carlisle assured her it was a very casual establishment.  She was relieved to see he was right as the hand full of patrons there were dressed in similar fashion.

The hostess led them to a table near the back per Carlisle’s request.  She seemed to zone out for a moment when he spoke, but then recovered quickly; flushing in embarrassment.  Bella had to look away and smile because she knew exactly what that felt like.  Carlisle held the chair out for Bella as she thanked him as she sat.  Her voice was caught in her throat making her words barely more than a whisper.

He sat down across from her and smiled as the muted lighting did wondrous things to Bella’s skin tone.  She felt his gaze on her before she looked away and blushed.  The waitress, who introduced herself as Cindy, was by their side now placing menus in front of them prattling off the night’s specials.

“Can I start you off with something to drink?” Cindy inquired.

“I’ll have a glass of merlot.” Carlisle said assuredly.  “Bella?”

She was going to order a Coke but then realization struck her and she smiled.  The legal drinking age in Canada was nineteen.

“I’ll have a glass of white zinfandel.  Thank you.”

Cindy nodded and stepped back, “I’ll give you two a minute to decide.” And with that she was gone.

Carlisle gave Bella a crooked, knowing smile, “Is this the first time you are having alcohol, Isabella?”

The way he said her full name made her body react as if he just licked the full length of her spine.  She was so thankful that her blush was her only tell that gave her away.  Or so she thought.  Carlisle smelled her heightened arousal and was curious as to what she was thinking.  Then he wondered…

“What are you in the mood to eat tonight, Isabella?”

Bella visibly shivered as she tried and failed to hide behind her menu.  Sure enough, there was that delicious aroma once more.  Let’s file that little secret away for a more appropriate time.

“I think I will have the chicken Piccata.  And you?” she asked teasingly.

“Hmmm, everything looks so good, but I just don’t have a taste for anything I see on the menu.”

Bella gasped at the wink he gave her.  Two can play the teasing game, he thought.

Cindy returned with their drinks and took their order.  Carlisle ordered a steak; rare.  Bella waited till Cindy was out of ear shot and leaned in over the table.

“Steak?”

“Mmm hmm.” He said with a nod, “We discovered that if the meat is rare enough it is almost palatable.  In the case where we might find ourselves forced to ‘eat’ in public, it is the best choice.”

Bella instantly felt bad, “I’m sorry.  I don’t have to eat here.  We can go home.  I…” she was silenced by Carlisle pressing his index finger against her lips.

“Shh shh shh.  Bella I wanted to take you out.  You never get to go anywhere other than the occasional trip to the mall with Alice.  This was my choice.”

Bella nodded her understanding; then kissed the finger that still rested against her lips.  Carlisle closed his eyes savoring the warmth of her mouth on his single digit.

The Carlisle lifted his wine glass, “A toast,” Bella smiled softly and raised hers as well, “To new beginnings and endless possibilities.” He said as he locked his eyes with hers.

“To new beginnings,” she echoed back before clinking her glass to his.

She hummed in contentment at the taste of the wine.  They quickly fell into easy conversation about the skiing trip and how Bella was amazed that she was not battered or broken.

The food arrived and Bella dug in, not comprehending until this moment how ravenous she really was.  Carlisle put on a good show of cutting and appearing to eat his steak, salad and mashed potatoes.  Bella had no idea where the food was going, but he was definitely clearing it from the plate.

Bella sat back in her chair at the end of the meal feeling full and satisfied and a little flushed from the two glasses of sine she consumed.  Carlisle paid the check before pulling Bella’s chair out and offering her his arm.  She gratefully accepted it and kissed him on the cheek.

“Thank you for dinner Carlisle.  It was wonderful.”

“I’m glad you liked it, My Bella.”

She felt warmth spread through her when he referred to her as his Bella.

When they arrived home a little while later, Bella was surprised that the others weren’t back yet.

“Carlisle, I thought you said everyone was coming back this evening?”

“Hmmm.  That was what Alice said.  Maybe Emmett is having too much fun with the wildlife.  It wouldn’t be the first time.” He said with a chuckle shaking his head.

Carlisle hung up their coats and then went over to start a fire in the living room hearth.  Bella walked across the room to the window; staring out into the quickly emerging night sky.

Soft music began to play and strong arms enveloped her from behind.  She squeezed his forearms as they crossed in front of her.  Then she turned in his embrace and circled her arms around him in return.  Carlisle leaned in and kissed her chastely and then began to sway them to the music.  He took her right hand in his left and before Bella knew it, they were dancing by firelight.

The soft crooning of Michael Bublé surrounded them and the world slipped away.

‘Here we are
On earth together
It's you and I
God has made us fall in love
It's true
I've really found
Someone like you
Will it stay
The love you feel for me
Will you say
That you will be by my side
To see me through
Until my life is through’

Bella forgot about everything except the man who was holding her in his indestructible yet gentle arms.  She looked into his eyes and saw nothing but the purest of loves.  She reached the hand that currently rested on his shoulder up behind his neck; letting her fingers dance among the short hairs there before clasping onto his skin. 

‘You will stay here always
In love, you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I, you and I’

He knew she wanted him to lean down and he would not deny her.  Their lips met as their dancing slowed to mere rocking side to side.  His tongue begged her lips for entrance that she willingly gave.  His cool breath should have given her the chills, but it has the opposite effect as her body flushed with heat.  It seemed to radiate from the core of her being.  She wanted more.  More kisses, more touches, more…just more.  Her nipples hardened as she pressed her body to his.  She felt a tingle at the apex of her thighs begging for friction; begging for Carlisle to touch her…there.

‘You and I
In my mind
We can conquer the world
In love, you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I.’

Bella moaned as his mouth trailed down her neck.  Carlisle never struggled with the blood lust like the rest of his family had, but with Bella’s vein pulsating against his lips and her skin vibrating as she moaned; he truly understood what it meant to thirst for blood.  Her pert nipples pressing against him mixed with the smell of her arousal was his undoing.  He wanted her in every way.

Bella began panting as he hand drifted from her waist to the round of her butt.  She gripped his hair and turned her head so that she could reach his neck.  She licked and bit at the alabaster skin exposed to her.  The purring began again causing her arousal to spike.  She looked into his eyes and they were black!  There was no gold at all.  His irises were pitch black.  Bella was startled and fought to push him away.  Carlisle did not understand what happened but quickly released his hold on her.  Once she was free she backed away until she tripped on her own feet and fell unceremoniously on her butt.

“Bella?  What’s wrong?  Did I hurt you?” he asked frantically.

Bella struggled to get control of her voice that was locked behind the ball of fear lodged in her throat.  Carlisle knelt down and reached out for her but she did not go to him.  She could not get past the fear those eyes elicited.

She swallowed hard twice, “Your…your eyes…” was all she was able to get out.

Carlisle stood and caught his reflection in the glass wall to his left.  He saw what Bella was so afraid of…a monster.  No! 

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply.  Her scent was all around him and now mixed with adrenaline making it difficult to relax and lock the monster away.  He focused on thoughts of Bella from other times.  Holding her as she slept, singing to her, watching movies together…  Finally he could feel his body returning to a state of calm.  He opened his eyes and looked at his reflection that now showed the familiar gold irises.

Bella watched Carlisle stand there with his eyes closed; completely still.  Should I run?  What was the point?  He is a vampire. He would catch me once the thought made its way through his brain.  Wait.  This isn’t just any vampire.  This is Carlisle.  My Carlisle.  He would never hurt me.  She remained on the floor so as to not startle him and began to take deep breaths to settle her nerves.  She glanced up to see him looking down at her with an expression of utter anguish.  It broke her heart to know she had caused him that pain.

Bella quickly stood up and went to him.  Without hesitation she threw herself into his arms.

“Carlisle, what happened?  Your eyes turned black and I was so afraid.  I didn’t know what to do.”

He held her close; thankful that she would allow him to touch her. He stroked her back up and down trying to sooth her and himself.

“Bella, I am so sorry.  I let things get out of hand and forgot myself for a moment.  I swear you were never in any danger.”

Even as he said the words, he heard the lie within them.  What he should have said was that he would have never intentionally hurt her.  His very nature put her in danger.  He shook that thought away.  It had no place here.  Not now. 

Bella had to bring him back to her.  She leaned back to look into his soulful topaz eyes.  She went up on her tip toes and kissed him softly.  He returned the kiss sighing in relief that he had not done any irreparable damage.  Just then the door opened signaling the end to their alone time.

~*~

The early morning sun warmed her face and alerted Bella to the start of a brand new day.  She didn’t want to open her eyes.  She was having the most magnificent dream of her and Carlisle kissing in the snow.  Then she felt cold lips drop tiny kisses along her neck and shoulder and she smiled because it wasn’t just a dream. 

She rolled over to be greeted by a smiling and sparkling Carlisle.

“Good morning beautiful.  Sleep well?”

She nodded, “Mmm hmm.  I had the best dream and woke up to an even better reality.”

Carlisle saw the light reflecting off of his skin onto hers and for a moment thought about what she would look like if she were changed.  His smile grew before he leaned in and kissed her on the lips causing her to moan loudly.  Alice was at their door knocking.

“Hey you two; none of that this morning.  We have guests to send off.” She called through to them.

Bella blushed and ducked her head into Carlisle’s chest.

“Ugh!  That super-human hearing is for the birds.” She grumbled in frustration.

Carlisle didn’t say anything but he could hear some of the others laughing from the living room.  Bella got up and made her way to the washroom to take a shower and get dressed for the day.

When she was ready, she and Carlisle made their way to the living room where everyone had gathered to say goodbye to the Denali’s.  Their visit was not uneventful to say the least.

Carlisle hugged his dear friend and wished him a safe journey home.  Carmen stepped forward and opened her arms to Bella who happily returned the gesture.

“Beautiful Bella,” she cooed, “It was wonderful to meet you.”

“Likewise Carmen.  I have had a really nice time.” Bella replied.

Carmen held her closer and whispered, “You have given him his heart back.  Don’t ever doubt his feelings for you.”

Bella nodded and squeezed the vampire that reminded her so much of Esme in her nature, as hard as she could.

“Thank you Carmen.”

Carmen went to embrace Carlisle as Eleazar was next to offer Bella a hug, “My dearest Bella, I thoroughly enjoyed are time together.  Maybe next time you will come visit us in Alaska.”

Bella smiled at him as he released her, “I would like that.  Thank you Eleazar.” She tried not to think about the sisters and how they would feel about her being in their home.

Carlisle was at Bella’s side and stretched his arm around her; hissing her temple.  Kate walked up to say her goodbyes, but Carlisle showed no indication of releasing Bella from his hold.

“Kate,” he said in an even voice, “it was nice to see you again.  I wish you a safe journey home.”

Kate nodded.  She knew that she would not get anything more from him at this time.  But she was a vampire.  She could be patient.  She looked at Bella for a brief moment and then returned her gaze to Carlisle.

“Thank you for having me, Carlisle.  Hopefully it won’t be so long between out visits next time.”

Kate’s words were non-threatening, but her body exuded sexual innuendo.  Bella shrank slightly away, but Carlisle would not allow her to duck back.  He held her lovingly but firm and pulled her in front of his body to wrap both arms around her.

“Be well.” He said in return.

“Bella.” she said with a slight nod.

“Ka-te.” Bella stumbled over her name.

Kate gave her a wicked smirk then turned towards the door where the others waited.  Lots of hugs were given with promises of seeing one and other soon.

With that, they were gone along with Jasper who was driving them to the airport.  Emmett was feeling antsy now that all the excitement was over.  He had energy to burn.

“Hey Carlisle, want to come help me with my wood working project?” he asked.

Carlisle hugged Bella tighter before releasing her. “Do you mind hanging with the girls for a while?”

“Not at all.  I need to catch up on my girl time.”

He leaned down and kissed her sweet lips. 

Emmett was already waiting by the back door, “Get a room you two!”

Bella blushed giving Emmett the exact reaction he was hoping for.

“Have fun my Bella.” He kissed her on the tip of her nose before chasing after Emmett.

Her blushed deepened as she giggled, “You too!”