Tanya POV

After hunting a couple of moose, I came back home to a quiet house. Kate was playing video games on the TV again. I think it's called Call of Duty? Something with guns and fighting, I'm sure. Typical Kate. Eleazar was pouring over some new book in the library. He is always searching for a new book or topic to study. Always a scholar that vampire. Irina was on the computer shopping for clothes or something. She has always loved to shop whether in person or online. Bella and Carmen were not anywhere on the first floor. Searching for them, I headed upstairs. Looking in my room, it was empty. The bed was not yet made. The bathroom near my room was slightly warm from a recent shower. Interesting.

Searching around more, I found Bella in Carmen's bed. Leaning on the wooden door frame, I took in the sight. Bella's hair was slightly damp from her shower. She was cuddled up to Carmen under many blankets. Cold hands stroked her hair lovingly. Worried golden eyes met my own. I slowly walked into the room. Not wanting to disturb the peace, I remained quiet.

"Carmen," I whispered even though I knew she couldn't hear me. "What happened?"

"I'm not so sure. I found her crying in the shower," Carmen responded softly. "She's better now."

Nodding, I laid down on the other side of the bed next to Bella. Her face was tear-stained. Rubbing her back, she slowly awoke. Opening her slightly red eyes, she cutely yawned. It broke my heart seeing that she had cried. Looking around, she saw us and smiled. Giving Carmen one more tight hug, she cuddled up to me.

"Hi, Carmen. Hi, Tanya," she said sleepily.

"Time to get up, honey," Carmen responded.

"Mmm, but I'm tired," she groaned softly. "Five more minutes."

"Bella, you gotta get up sometime today," I persuaded.

A 'no' was muffled by her face in my chest. Chuckling, I nudged her out of bed. Stretching, she made her way out of Carmen and Eleazar's bed. Walking back to my room, Bella slowly got herself ready for the day. She went back into the bathroom to brush her teeth and change her clothes. Coming out, she wore jean pants, a blue flannel shirt, and a white tank top. Purring, I pulled her into a quick hug. Bringing her down the stairs, I sat her at the breakfast bar next to me. Carmen immediately put food in front of her, and Bella inhaled the food.

"Hungry, Bella?" I teased.

"It was so good, Tan. You have no idea. Do you want to try some?" she smirked.

Shaking my head, I declined the offer. Leading her over to the living room, we sat down on one of the comfy couches. I wrapped a throw blanket around my mate and brought her onto my lap. Nuzzling her neck, I scent marked her. Bella closed her eyes and laid against my chest. Looking around the room, I saw Kate and Irina impishly smiling at me. Rolling my eyes, I turned our television with the closed captioning on. Scrolling through the channels, I searched for a nice movie to watch. Bella seemed lazy and all-around tired.

I wondered what she was so torn up over. Was it her father? I knew he does not pay much attention to her, but he still clearly loves her. Was it our cousins? Those cousins that dropped Bella like yesterday's trash certainly don't deserve Bella's thoughts nor mine. Was she so upset over the Cullens that she would cry? Her face was no longer tear-stained, but her eyes were still a little puffy. They clearly show that she has been crying recently. I just wish I could make her feel better. She doesn't need the Cullens and their toxic ways. They do not deserve such a beautiful woman. My Bella…

"Tanya," Irina called.

"Yes, sister?" I answered.

"What are we to do about your mate? Will you talk with her about her recent breakdown?"

"I will," I responded firmly. "I think I know what it may be about."

Irina and Kate left the room as quickly as they came. I was left alone with my mate. I closed my eyes and relaxed. The hum of the television in the background lulled me to a near sleeping state. This moment was perfect. The comfortable silence. The lack of family crowding us. The warmth of Bella's body against my cold skin. I could not imagine a more peaceful moment. It was just us. I carefully shifted my body to lay fully on the couch rather than just sitting. With Bella, I carefully pulled her into my side. Snuffling cutely, she snuggled right up to me. Draping my arm over her body, I let my head hit the pillow.

After about another hour had gone by, I decided that it was time for us to get up, again. Shaking Bella awake, I saw her yawn and get up faster than the last time. She was up as soon as I shook her. It was surprising because last time it seemed like ages for her to get out of bed. Perhaps she is much more awake than last time too.

"Hey, sleepy head, feeling better?" I asked.

"Yeah, I really needed that nap. I'm not so sure I'll be able to sleep tonight now," she laughed. "I usually don't sleep this much. I'm sorry, Tanya. It must be so boring waiting for me to wake up."

"Oh, Bella, no. I don't mind at all waiting for you. If you need to sleep, you need to sleep. Besides, I like having you near me. I can protect you better," I purred. Her stomach growled, and instantly, red rushed to her cheeks. "You don't need to be embarrassed about your hunger. It's completely normal. You need to eat. Let's make you some food, huh?"

We quickly made lunch. Bella made herself a grilled cheese, and I heated up some tomato soup for her. The perfect comfort food. Again, my little mate devoured the food so fast that I was surprised she didn't feel sick to her stomach afterwards. Moving rooms, we ended up sitting in my room, but we were not by any means laying down. Hopefully, I would be able to keep Bella awake long enough to have the conversation we needed to have.

"Bella, I think we need to talk," I started. I admit, it probably was not the best way to start the conversation because I immediately saw tears.