Gravity [A Twilight/Edward Cullen Love Story]

Amazingly, all the horrors and fears had disappeared once we were safely away, or maybe even before that when I first ran into the car.

The tires screeched as he sped around the corner, accelerating at a speed that I would never dream of driving with Baby. And yet, even though we driving at a rate that could possibly kill us, I was genuinely calm.

“Put on your seat belt,” he commanded harshly. I realized I was clutching the bottom of the seat with both hands. I took longer than necessary to buckle myself in since I kept missing the lock due to my shaking. Another part of the reason was because I didn’t like doing things that were ordered of me. He took a sharp right, paying no mind to any stop or speed limit signs.

I almost forgot that Pooka dove into the back seat when we got in. When I looked back to check on him, he was curled up on the seat perfectly fine. Although I could still make out his glowing green eyes watching Edward every second. That was my kitty all right.

“Uh…are you okay?” I wheezed and then felt very embarrassed at the sound.

“No,” he said rudely, his tone furious. His eyes were kept intensely on the road.

The silence that was kept was only there for two reasons. One, I could barely breathe right let alone say anything, and two, he was freakin’ pissed and that really intimidated me. So I shut up until I noticed that we weren’t in town anymore. There weren’t any streetlights, it was way too dark. Too dark to even make out the outline of his features. He swerved the car quickly to the sidewalk and then parked.

“Sera? Are you sure you’re all right?” His tone was tight and kept under control.

“Mhm,” I muttered and nodded my head.

“Distract me please,” he ordered.

“How?” I asked then patted my chest trying to get the tone back to normal.

He exhaled sharply and then I felt uneasy. I didn’t react well when people were mad especially if they were angry with me.

“Just babble about something unimportant until I calm down,” he said and then closed his eyes while pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Like what?” I pushed and then frowned. What the heck was I supposed to talk about? I almost got kidnapped, assaulted, raped or all of the above!

“Anything!” He snapped and then slammed his hand back on the wheel making a sound that caused me to jump.

“Okay, okay.” I eased and then tried to think of recent things that have happened.

“Uh…While you were gone I told Lauren to commit suicide, her ex gave me a high five after volleyball, Jessica is my friend again…I think, I’m Mike’s new sister according to his mom, I turned Tyler down for a date to the dance and oh yeah, I sucker punched Mike in the face accidentally…sort of.”

He was still squeezing his eyes closed, but the white over his knuckles started to fade. His hands were slowly releasing their tense grip on the wheel and the corner of his mouth twitched.

“Why?”

“He woke me up.”

“I expected much,” His voice sounding a bit more composed. More like I remembered it to be.

I chuckled a bit to lighten the mood, but it didn’t do anything.

Edward sighed and then finally opened his eyes.

“Better now?”

“Not exactly.”

My lips fell into a pout. I couldn’t control it. It really wasn’t my fault if I couldn’t make him feel better, I was really bad at the sort of thing. Cheering people up wasn’t my cup of tee it was my bowl of toilet.

He laid back in his seat, his head facing upward. I don’t think he moved or blinked, or anything. His face was just so…unchanging. Stuck forever in the expression of a murderer.

“What’s wrong with you?” I asked, my tone more bothered than curious.

“Sometimes I have a problem with my temper, Sera.” He whispered and then narrowed his eyes into slits.

“Oh, yeah? Well join the club.”

He turned his head away from me, towards the window.

“Give me a reason why I shouldn’t turn around right now and hunt down those…” his body tensed again and he struggled to hang on to his composure. I couldn’t believe how extremely difficult he was making the task of calming down look. The poor thing looked like he wanted kill them in cold blood. But, why? I know about the general concept, but why did Edward Cullen keep saving me? It seemed like I would have to wait for him to answer all my questions.

“You’re asking the wrong girl here, pal.” I noted, finally getting the spunk back in my voice. He faced back to me again, angry. His eyebrows furrowed at me and his lips frowned. Even when he seemed ready to kill, Edward looked so gorgeous it somehow made him appear more handsome. Like a bad boy type of thing.

“Would you mind assisting me regardless?” He raised his voice at me, annoyed.

I glared at him. Taking a big breath without coughing I successfully sighed and placed my hand on his sleeved forearm. His golden eyes jumped in alert.

“You can’t do it Edward, you can’t go back there just to beat them up. Violence will only make you feel better for a little while, and killing them will put you in jail,” my eyes glanced at the roof with a pondering expression and then looked back to him, “And you’ve already saved me. I’m here with you, Edward. No one’s hurt. You did it, we’re safe.” I breathed the last part for me. It felt like I was talking to both of us.

He stared at me and then put his hand on my covered arm, yet I could still feel the cold seeping through the jacket.

“That was good.”

“Thank you,” I sighed and then smiled a bit.

Suddenly his face was clear of all resentment, and then he too smiled.

“Now, as for the truth.”

He groaned and slipped his arm away from my hand. “I wasn’t being serious.”

“It’s too late now. Even you should know that you owe me an explanation,” I said while shifting my body in my seat, turning to him.

“Why don’t you check on your cat?”

“He’s fine.”

He frowned at me again, “Who did you come here with?”

I blinked and then looked at the time on the dashboard. It was well pass eight, which meant I sat in the vet clinic for at least four hours. I growled irritatingly, and bore my teeth. Zeeliana and Jacob were probably freaking out right about now, which left me with no time to interrogate him.

“Listen to me,” I said and stared at him. The burning intensity shined through my eyes and penetrated into his. “I need you to promise me that you will answer all my questions. Tonight. If you don’t…” I glanced away quickly, “I’ll never speak to you again.”

He smoothed his hand through his hair, “You know that might be the better choice.”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“All right,” he sighed and then looked at me, “But only if you answer all of my questions as well.”

I nodded, unsure of what I was getting myself into. “Deal. But right now, I have to get back to Jacob and Zeeliana Black. I came here with them to get new tires for my car.”

His expression flashed for a split second I couldn’t tell what it was. Then he raised a brow at me, “What happened to your tires?”

“Blew’em up at work.”

Edward didn’t reply back but instead turned the ignition back on.

“Well?” I asked, hopefully not too eagerly.

We were on the road before I knew it, still no answer from him. When we reached an area with streetlights, I could see that his face told me he was thinking and concentrating. How hard was this decision?

“Agreed, then.” He nodded, “But does it have to be tonight?”

“Yes,” I urged, never taking my eyes off him, “I’m not letting you disappear on me, leaving my head with unanswered questions just so you hope I forget.”

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye and then looked to the road again.

“It’s important to me,” I added slowly.

Sighing, his shoulders fell in defeat, “Fine, Sera. Expect a house call.”

I tried desperately to keep myself from blushing, but I had to admit it was the perfect place to have the conversation.

“Thank you.” I said finally and sat properly in the seat.

“You’re a very stubborn girl.”

“Same to you...er except for the girl part.”

He pulled the wheel into a sharp and unexpected left turn that made me yelp in surprise.

Edward smiled in satisfaction.

“They’re still inside waiting for you.” He said as he pulled over from a short distance of the auto shop. His eyes were fixed in that direction as he spoke, “You should get there quickly, they seem very worried.”

“How do you know that?” I asked shocked, my hand on the seatbelt.

“Common sense.”

I rolled my eyes and unbuckled myself. Stretching my body towards the back seat, I gently scooped up Pooka in my arms.

“Edward?”

He turned to me, “Yes?”

“Answer me at least this. How did you find me? I didn’t tell you I was doing anything this weekend so…how?” My voice was truly puzzled.

Edward’s eyes glanced down my body, sending the butterflies in my stomach on fire.

I quickly put a hand on the jacket’s opening, pulling them closer together as if to cover up. At first he raised an eyebrow and then laughed a bit.

“Do you really want to know?”

“It’s not perverted or anything is it?” I eyed him.

“What?” His tone was surprised.

“I mean…you’re not stalking me are you?”

Edward smiled crookedly and then laughed again. It was then that I realized I could have spent the entire night listening to that laugh. Unless he really was stalking me.

He shifted his body forward and faced the road, the corner of his lips still arched in a smile.

“You’re wearing my scent.”

“What?” I gasped.

“My jacket. I noticed someone with my smell. Why are you still wearing it?”

I blushed, “I was cold.”

He smiled, “Of course.”

Sliding Pooka into my lap, I slipped off the jacket and handed it to him.

“Here.” I said shyly.

“You can keep it longer, if you’re still cold.” He said amused.

“Thanks, but…I need an excuse for being late. I can say I dropped my jacket and got lost trying to find it.

Edward’s eyes sparkled with even more curiosity, “Very well, then.”

He took it off my hands and I picked up Pooka again. When I opened the car door, the light above didn’t even come on. Sighing softly, I tried to get out as gracefully as possible, but sadly had to settle for average.

“I’ll see you later.” I said, not asking, before I closed the door.

He wasn’t looking at me, “As you wish.”

“Bye.” I stepped back.

“Sera?”

I stopped, “Uh…yeah?”

There was a small pause before he whispered, “Be safe.”

My lips melted into a smile, “Okay.”

After I closed the door, I hugged Pooka to my chest and jogged through the snow.

“Sera!” Jake called to me as I walked through the door. Luckily the shop was still open for nightly repair.

“Where have you been? You forgot your phone in the car and the vet’s line was so busy there was no way we could get a hold of you.” Zeeliana was totally freaking out and I tried my best to calm myself before answering.

“I’m sorry,” I breathed, tired from all the running, “the vet clinic was really busy. It was packed with animals and there was only one doctor. We ended up waiting till closing time till they could see Pooka.”

“Seriously?” She asked, her eyes worried.

I nodded, “Yeah and not only that, but I had to pick up Pooka’s antibiotics from the drugstore. They didn’t have any in stock because they’re relocating.” I held up the plastic bag to show them.

“Wait, what happened to your jacket?” Jake asked and scratched his head.

“I don’t know. I had to take it off in the store, but I’m not sure if I dropped it somewhere. “ I had to glance away around the shop.

“Why do you look all tired? Did you run all over the place just looking for the jacket?” Zee examined my posture.

“Well, I sort of ran into trouble on my way out of the store.”

“What kind of trouble?” Her voice was strong.

“These two guys gave me a hard time and started to follow me out. So I ran all around until I lost them. After I did, that’s when I noticed the jacket was missing. While looking for my jacket I got lost since the map was in there. So I just traced back my steps and ran over here as fast as I could. I’m really sorry I worried you guys. I didn’t mean too, really.” I apologized over and over.

“Hey, hey. Calm down, Sera. We’re just glad you’re in one piece.”

“Yeah,” Jake added, “Don’t worry about it. We got your tires with the money you gave us and then grabbed a bite to eat. Are you hungry?”

I shook my head, “No way, just tired.” That was true.

Zee smiled a bit, “Let me drive us home. You should rest for a bit and then take over after we’re gone.” I couldn’t argue with her at all.

“Okay, thanks.” I breathed.

“No problem. And you seriously shouldn’t worry about the jacket,” her nose cringed, “no offense and all but it had a funny smell to it.”

I blushed, “Really?” I loved the way it smelled.

“Yeah, but I didn’t want to say anything. Maybe it’s just my nose.” Yet from the expression on Jake’s face it looked like he agreed with her.

“Sorry.”

Zee laughed and waved her hand, “Come on let’s get out of here. Your car is around the back.” She led me outside and even Pooka popped his head up to see.

Baby was back in motion.

“Thanks again, I’ll see you guys later.” I smiled at Zee and Jake.

She waved from outside, “No problem. We needed to get out of the house. Drop by tomorrow if you want, maybe I can help you find that photo album. I’m pretty sure my mom will be home.”

Jake smiled enthusiastically, clearly pleased with the offer.

“Okay, thanks Zee. I’ll give you a call to see if I do come. I think I’ve got the morning shift at the store tomorrow.” Not that I wanted to go to work or anything.

“Sounds like a plan. Night Sera.” Zee said and waved again.

“Yeah, night.” Jake smiled.

“Goodnight guys.” I waved and then turned Baby around to drive out of the street. By the time I was leaving La Push it was hard not to speed home. After all, I could have a vampire waiting for me at home.

When I opened the door, Pooka ran straight into the kitchen anticipating his meal.

“Wait!” I called out and quickly dropped my things on the couch. Hopping on a foot to take off my shoes I managed to make it to the kitchen entrance. After I successfully made it to my socks, I zipped over to the cabinet and took out his can.

Pooka sat on the floor, his tail drifting side to side and watched me carefully as I poured his food into the green bowl. Immediately after I lifted my hand he tackled his food, taking in big chunks.

“Slow down, Pooka.” I whispered and petted his head. Quickly I grabbed a bag of chips for me with a water bottle as I ran up the stairs. Eating on the way to my room, I tried to decide if I had enough time to shower before he came. When I opened the door I almost spat my water out like a hose.

“Holy crap!”

I forgot that I left the vampire book on the bed. If Edward saw it… I cringed and blushed at the thought of embarrassment and never ending humiliation that would’ve haunted me for the days to come. Throwing my empty chips bag into the nearby trash, I hastily snatched the book and looked around for a place to stash it.

“Closet?...no. Uh…desk?...No that’s stupid.” I paced all around the room.

“Aha!” I snapped my fingers and threw the thing under the bed. After taking care of business I tried to straighten up as best as I could before getting into the shower. There was absolutely no chance I was going to let him near me when I reeked of animals.

I took a bath as fast as I could, all the while thinking of the summary of questions I intended to ask. I also had to prepare the courage to ask the questions that doubted my sanity. Tonight was going to be…life changing. I could feel it.

After the aroma of rose petals permeated throughout the bathroom I finally began to relax. Yet I couldn’t control the hammering in my chest and the knots in my stomach. Just the thought of having Edward Cullen in this house, alone, finally giving me the truth…it brought a warm tingling to my cheeks. It had been so long since I felt like this, this nervousness and girlish excitement. No one on earth could deny his perfect face, amazing voice, and one of a kind smile. But there was more than his god-like appearance that drew me to him, much more. Like the way his eyes seemed to capture your soul with one look, glimpse, or gaze. Or the way he has such a command of attention, yet seems to not want any of it, like he’s just trying to blend in. And that laugh…oh that whimsical breathtaking chuckle, that could either make you very annoyed or suddenly serenely happy.

Would it be so bad if he truly was a vampire? I stared at the mirror as I dried my hair, lost in deep thought. Maybe it’s that very fact that made him so…attracting. The way I’m just pulled to him, it feels so unreal.

I decided to push those feelings away and to save the questions for later. Getting dressed in a comfortable baby blue tee and light gray sweatpants, I tried again to calm myself. What if he didn’t come anyway? I said I wouldn’t talk to him again, but could I do that? Is that what he wants? For me to leave him alone?

I frowned. My mind wouldn’t shut up by the time I brushed my hair while walking downstairs. I grabbed my purse and brought it back upstairs again, this time brushing my teeth. With each passing second I began to doubt his promise, after all he didn’t actually promise me anything. Why did I pend on constantly setting myself up for disappointment?

Growling to myself, I spat my water into the sink harshly. I walked out of the bathroom and fell on my bed. Maybe I should just go to sleep and forget today ever happened.

No, there was no way I was going to ever sleep tonight, even if I tried. Sighing, I sat back up and walked down the hallway to close all the windows. Thinking about it more, I should probably get the broken window in my old room fixed. I would need measuring tape or a ruler, but I was too lazy to go back downstairs, I decided to eyeball it.

I opened the door and cringed when the hinges squeaked.

“You should get those oiled.”

“Ah!” I screamed and jumped back, tripping on my heels and then falling on my but.

A light chuckle carried out around the room, filling my ears. It was either going to bring annoyance, or happiness.

“You couldn’t come in through the front door?!” I growled, my tone pulsing with annoyance. What a surprise.

He flicked the light on and I gasped softly. Edward’s eyes were now a golden honey, his face was less hollow and the dark circles were gone. The light dazzled around him. He was dressed in a regular white shirt that slightly outlined his chest and light brown pants. His expression was amused and that’s when I noticed that his lips were not as pale, but still very inviting. I loathed the way he made my emotions so hard to control.

“Your window is broken.”

I got up and dusted myself off. “You don’t say.”

“No need to be facetious, I was just observing this wall.”

I paused and looked at him. Edward was gazing at the collage of pictures my mom put up. I didn’t have the heart to take them down let alone touch one.

“I’m assuming these are your parents?”

“No questions until we get downstairs.” I stated firmly.

Edward smiled darkly. “Are you sure you want to go through with this?”

I nodded, a little faulted by his smile. “Yes.”

His shoulders shrugged gracefully, “Sera. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Once I reveal everything to you, there’s no second chance at turning back to your old life.”

Edward didn’t realize that although he was trying to scare or frighten me out of it, I was being even more intensely tempted to know.

“How did you even get in my house? I didn’t hear a sound.”

“I thought you said no questions until we reached downstairs?” He raised a brow.

Sighing, I turned around and began walking down the hallway, straining my ears to listen to his footsteps behind me. They were so quiet, almost undetectable, but I knew he was right behind me. Edward’s gaze was burning into my back.

“Would you like something to drink?” I asked as we reached the living room.

“No, thank you.” Edward declined and strolled around, looking at different paintings,

I placed my hands on my hips, “You don’t eat or drink anything?”

He stopped and turned to me, “I’m sorry, but are we beginning the interrogation now? Or did I miss the starting gunshot?”

I glowered at his teasing tone and smirk. “Fine. We start now.” I sat on the black leather couch and watched him as he glided to the one across.

“This is how we’ll go about this. We take turns asking questions and answering okay? And you have to be 1000% honest, no hiding or lying. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” He nodded, but then his expression turned serious, “Just remember that I warned you. This is your choice. You can still stop this while you have the chance.”

“Stop trying to scare me and answer this question.” I sounded bored already, no longer amused of his tries to frighten me. Then again, maybe I should have listened to him more.

Edward sighed and relaxed his shoulders, “Very well. However as I recall from earlier tonight you asked me how I found you.”

“Your point?”

His eyes flickered into mine, “The point is you’ve already asked me a question. It’s my turn. That is how this works, correct?”

I groaned and rolled my eyes. It didn’t matter who asked first, I was just really impatient. “Fine, whatever, go.”

“Thank you.” He smiled, “Now, what is your favorite color?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Are you going to answer or not?” He chimed.

I sighed, “Okay. My favorite color is actually any shade of blue. Satisfied?”

He nodded. A teasing smile plastered on his face.

“How old are you?” I watched him carefully.

“Seventeen.” I opened my mouth to ask him another question but he stopped me.

“What are your favorite flowers?”

“Red roses.” I paused. “How long have you been seventeen?” My voice lowered.

Edward’s eyes were glued to mine as he whispered, “A while.” His answer sent shivers up my spine and the hairs on the back of my neck stood.

“Have you dated anyone in the past? A serious relationship perhaps?” He didn’t even try to hide the curiosity in his voice.

I started to relax again, “Yes I have, as long as my mother approved of them.”

“Would your mother approve of me?” His eyes flickered the sense of danger.

“It’s my turn to ask, Edward.”

“I don’t like this order. Let’s just simply ask each other questions and answer them truthfully. I see no harm in that.”

My eyes held his gaze for sometime before I answered him. “She would. My mother just didn’t want me putting myself in danger.”

“And you don’t find me dangerous?” His tone was tempting and teasing causing a heating ache in my belly.

“I find you fascinating actually.” I answered truthfully, just as promised. “Why are you always around when I’m in trouble? You just seem to show up out of nowhere.”

“Perhaps it’s because every second I am around you’re in a troubling situation.” Edward stood up and walked to the fireplace. I could still hear him chuckling.

“But why save me? Don’t you think you’re just messing with fate?” I watched him as he sparked a fire. He lit it with one try, a task that would take me hundreds to perform.

“Your fate was sealed once you met me.” The fire reflected against his eyes that made him stunningly gorgeous. I couldn’t breathe again, so I watched him intently.

“Sera, tell me. Have you made several theories for figuring out what I am?” Edward lent against the wall. “If you have, please share them with me.”

I blushed and looked away stubbornly. “You’re going to laugh.”

“I promise I’ll try not to.”

“My foot.”

“Sera.”

I sighed, “Are you from another planet?”

Edward’s brows lifted in amusement, “No.”

“I don’t know, a wizard then?” I shrugged my shoulders.

He snickered, “Not even close.”

I glared at him, “Superhero?”

“What if I’m the villain, Sera? What if I’m the bad guy?”

I rolled my eyes, “Yeah, sure. You’re not bad, Edward. I’m sure of it. You saved me twice and if you were such a bad ‘villain’ then I would still be in that alley.”

Edward’s expression drew dark. It was a mistake for me to bring that up again.

“Tell me another theory.” He demanded.

I had to avert my eyes before I tried the vampire question. Quickly thinking it over, my stomach rolled into the tightest knot. “Are you…a vampire?” I struggled a lot to force myself to look at him. When I did, his expression was blank.

“Do you believe in vampires, Sera?” His tone was smooth and casual.

“I-I don’t know,” I stuttered, “I didn’t exactly think of this on my own.”

“What got you started? A book? A movie?” he probed.

I blushed, “Promise you won’t get angry?”

“Just tell me Sera.”

“Well, while you were gone, I figured out that my mom was childhood friends with Zeeliana’s mom Delilah. Yesterday they told me about this painting, saying it told an ancient legend about werewolves and vampires.” My fingers pinched my shirt out of nervousness. I needed to get rid of the habit.

“And you immediately thought of me?” Still calm.

“No, well,” I stalled a bit, “Not until they mentioned your family. I kind of teased Jake about the whole idea and he blurted it out. Then Zeeliana told me that your family couldn’t come to La Push because of a certain treaty that was made by their great-granddad.”

He startled me by shifting closer, sitting at the edge of the couch. “What did you do then?”

My face began to heat again. “I…borrowed a book.” I muttered.

He started laughing and I glared at him in return. “I’m sorry, continue.”

Still glaring at him, I had to take a breath before I found my thoughtful emotions like I did earlier. I recalled on my previous thoughts and evaluated them one by one.

“Jake and Zee also told me about how your kind doesn’t hunt like other vampires and that you weren’t a danger to their clan. It was only obvious that I would begin to make connections.”

Edward pondered while looking at the fireplace. “The Quileutes have a very long memory.” He stayed like that a little longer until he turned back to me. “What do you think of me now?” he asked flatly.

“I thought about the chances of you being a vampire. After getting past the whole ‘I could be crazy’ stage…I…I realized that it doesn’t matter if you are.”

“It doesn't matter?” He stood up and looked down at me disbelievingly. His tone was dripping with hard mocking.

“No.” I answered, my voice not as strong as I wanted it to be. I couldn’t help it with him towering over me like that. It made me feel small.

Edward narrowed his eyes, “You don’t care that I’m a monster? That I’m not human?”

I stood up, offended now. “I think I’m pretty damn sure what a monster is like, and trust me when I say this that you are no way near a monster.”

He stared at me, silent with his bleak and cold expression.

“Let me guess, you’re angry…again.” I crossed my arms tightly over my chest.

“No,” he said harshly, “I’d rather know what you’re thinking. Even if what you’re thinking is insane.”

“So you’re not? I’m wrong?” I pushed.

“That’s not what I’m referring to. ‘It doesn’t matter’!” he quoted, clenching his teeth.

“Well if you’re such the vampire why don’t you probe my brain and figure out what I’m thinking!” I raised my hands, palms facing the ceiling.

“I can’t.” He stated bitterly.

“And why is that?”

“Every time I attempt to get inside your mind, you somehow block me out. I wasn’t lying when I said I was a good mind reader. It’s actually one of my powers, but for some unknown reason. It doesn’t work on you.” Edward sounded offended that he couldn’t read my mind, like it hurt his vampiristic ego.

“When have you tried?” I asked, my tone suspicious.

“Several occasions.”

“Specifically?” I put my hands on my hips.

He began to circle me slowly, his gaze burning first into my eyes then around my body. Each step he took caused my heart to speed faster.

“When you stepped into Biology that fateful day. My first attempt sounded fuzzy, as if a telephone line was breaking up. The second was before we began the experiment, you pushed me out so hard I felt the mental impact.” He raised his hand to his cheek, as if recalling the pain. “But how? What are you, Sera? Are you really just an ordinary human girl? Or is there something you may be hiding from me?” Edward stopped walking to stop in front of me, truly convinced that I was something more. But his false suspicion made my chest ache. I knew I was nothing more than just a messed up teenage girl.

“I hate to disappoint you, but I’m not.” I stared into his eyes that were trying to analyze if I was speaking the truth. “I don’t know why you can’t read my mind, but I do know that I can feel it when you try to. A piercing headache just takes over and all I did before was push it out. Except for that time on the stairs.”

Edward’s face fell, his expression…guilty? “I’m sorry. You looked horrible and I wanted to figure out why. I didn’t realize it would cause you to faint.”

I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. “It wasn’t your fault. My body was ready to collapse any second. I should be thanking you for putting me out of my misery.

His eyes flashed back to anger again, his face hard. “Why do you insist on doing that?”

“Doing what?” I asked and then plopped back down on the couch.

He didn't move, but looked down at me. “You speak of death as an escape. How miserable are you to wish such a thing?” I was looking away from him, staring at the fire. My face blank and guarded like his was before. He suddenly knelt in front of me.

“Sera look at me.”

I turned my head and did what I was told. It was incredibly hard to resist his voice.

“I want to know why, Sera. You have your whole life ahead of you and yet you treat each day like a curse. Forgive me if I cannot comprehend why someone like you doesn’t want to see tomorrow.”

“You…have no idea, not even the slightest clue, what I’ve been through.” My cold tone matched the look in my eyes.

“Then tell me,” he whispered softly, “Because I obviously can’t read your mind.”

His golden eyes held me captivated making it difficult to keep the stone mask I had mastered throughout my entire life. Why did he have such an effect on me?

“Where do I even begin, Edward?” My voice was soft too, just above a whisper.

“Where ever you want.”

I studied him for a moment, wondering how long he would be able to wait for an answer. Then I became confused, why did he want to know about me? I was the one that wanted to know more about him, right? There were still so many questions I needed to ask.

“Please understand, this hard for me to do.”

“You don’t trust me?” Edward asked, not at all pressuring.

I looked away, angry with myself. “It’s…it’s not that.” I whispered.

“You’re not ready.” He confirmed, still looking at me.

I nodded slowly.

He started to get up but I put a hand on his arm to stop him. My fingers wrapped around the cold marble like skin.

“I will tell you, I promise.” My eyes caught his and it was impossible to look away. I was again so captivated that I didn’t notice when he pulled me to my feet. The motion was so quick and fluid as he lifted me with ease.

Edward stared at me, still holding my arm. The flesh where he touched flamed even though his hand was like ice. Heat poured into my body like a lava flow; my bones turned soft almost mushy. His gorgeous honey golden eyes held my heart in its grasp.

“Do you realize…that I could break you with just a flick of my wrist?” He whispered and then moved a lock of hair behind my ear. “You’re so fragile to me, Sera. It’s extremely difficult to control my strength around you. I don’t want to harm you. That is why I promise to never attempt to read your mind.”

His words and actions confused me, “If you’re so worried, then why are you still here? Why don’t you just tell me to leave you alone?”

“Because I know you will if I do.”

“What?”

“I don’t want to stay away from you. I told Carlisle I would, but I miss your company. I’ve decided to take the selfish road and be near you anyway, just letting the chips fall where they may.”

Studying his face, my heart couldn’t help but flutter at his words. They made me feel…special and wanted.

“Is that what you were talking about at the hospital?”

“So you were awake.” He smirked at me and let my arm drop.

“It just all makes sense now.” My voice was soft, filled with amazement.

Edward’s smirk curved down into a frown as he increased the space between us.

“Aren’t you the least bit concerned about my diet?”

“Does that have something to do with you eyes changing color?”

He raised an eyebrow, “You’ve noticed that closely?”

I looked away and answered too quickly, “No.”

“Well, in any case, yes. You’re right. I don’t drink human blood, but neither do I eat human food. My family and I hunt down animals and drink their blood instead. Don’t let th