Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or Edward Cullen, well not in real life *sigh*

Author's Note: Hey guys. Sorry for the delay, seems like its been 5 weeks instead of 3, my bad…Got caught up in enjoying my holidays *smiles sheepishly* and getting a little obsessive over a certain other book serires *cough* vampire academy *cough* (yeah I know, a tad late)…. Hehehe

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the chapter. Oh and thanks for all the reviews, they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside LOL

Here beginneth the shoutouts: da13real, LittleTwilightManiac, Kara'Hysteric, Hope and love, TeamEdwardBecauseJacobHasFleas, Isabell Winchester, Vampire Solidarity1 and Jaz

And now on with the story…

Recap:

When I woke up, I saw Edward looking down at me. His face was filled with worry. But even with that he looked like an angel. He helped me sit up gently and put his jacket around me. I guess I was kind of cold. "Are you ok? What happened?"

"Um…I'm not too sure." I crinkled my eyebrows. "I think… I just got stun gunned by a vampire." Now that was the single oddest sentence I had ever had to say.

CHAPTER 9

So the shock was finally settling in. I realised what had just happened and started to freak out. I scrambled backwards away from Edward. I didn't want him anywhere near me.

"Why are you here?" I eyed him suspiciously. His clothes were covered in dirt.

"Hey. It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you."

Yeah, because it just happens to be normal for people to wander the forest at night, okay maybe for a vampire. But it is definitely not normal for them to be around just after I get attacked. I looked at him sceptically and wondered how long I was passed out for.

"No, really. We just smelled another vampire in the area and wanted to see what was going on. Before I could even ask, who 'we' was, he said, "Look, I'm not even alone." He turned his face to the side and I followed his line of sight. "Rose," he called softly.

Out came Rosalie. I think my face went through about a hundred different emotions right then.

"Okay, what the fuck is going on guys?" I asked them as Jasper, Alice and Emmett also came out into the clearing.

"Well I'd just like to say, Thank You Alex," Emmett had that goofy smile on his face and started a loud round of applause. His dimples were so damn adorable.

"Thank you for what?" I asked uncertainly.

"For kicking Edward's ass, without even having to lift a finger." Okay, so now I was confused.

"What? Oh wait. Did I do that to you?" I asked Edward eyeing his dirt covered clothing, whilst trying to suppress the laughter that was threatening to burst out of me. He was probably the vamp that was chasing me. The one I totally pwned.

But it was too late. I erupted along with everyone else with laughter, especially when Edward pulled out the grow-up-can-you-see-that-I-don't-care-face and rolled his eyes.

"Okay very funny guys, now what just happened Alex?" he looked at me seriously.

"Well I saw him right after my date and-", I was interrupted by Rose.

"What? How did that go?" Rose smirked at me.

"Fine, thank you," I said sharply, so that she would know to drop it for the moment. I turned back to the others. "Yes, well then I ran after him to find out what was going on. I didn't know if it was just a random occurrence or if I was really just a magnet for danger. But man was he fast. Eventually I caught up to him and he said he had to give me something, and then he just reached inside and stun gunned me." I said it with such disbelief that I was worried if they would believe me. It did sound quite farfetched. "Ahh crap," I said, glancing down at my watch. "I gotta jet guys. See you later." My grandparents were probably home, or very nearly home. I sprinted back to the house, leaving the Cullens behind. I just hoped that I was fast enough. This had the potential to grant me a month long grounding. Luckily for me, they weren't home yet. I gave a sigh of relief as I headed up to my room to quickly change and get ready for bed, so that they wouldn't get suss.

I was quite the actor, I thought, when my grandparents came home the 5 minutes later, to find me asleep in my bed with my book sprawled across my chest. I really didn't feel like talking to them right now, I was waiting for a second bout of me freaking out to set in. They left after placing my book on the bedside table. I lay there for the longest time thinking how odd it was for the vampire to chase me. He seemed to know me, even if I didn't know him. I sat up and ran my hands through my hair in frustration. This town was supposed to be quiet and boring, just enough to allow me to live under the radar. Just then, something sharp poked my thigh. I reached into my pocket to see what had caused it. I pulled out whatever it was and examined it. My mouth went wide open, making a perfect 'o' shape. It was another one of those damn rubies. So now I was angry and confused. Although it looked very cute, maybe I could make a pretty bracelet if I got more of these. But then I remembered that I always got them after I was put in mortal/immortal danger and took back wanting to get more of them. I reached inside my pocket hoping to find another note to shed some light on the situation. And there it was.

Faster.

Yes, I don't know why I thought that it would shed any light on this situation. I should have known better. I was even more confused. I heard something outside, at my window. I shoved the ruby into my bedside drawer along with the note. I opened the curtains and the window, and in came Edward and Rosalie, looking mad as hell at each other. It was quite a funny sight and I couldn't help giggling at their sibling behaviour. Rose had the usual look of utmost contempt for Edward.

"What happened guys?" I asked, my giggles subsiding.

"Well Rosalie seemed to think, yes I know, Rosalie and think don't often go together in the same sentence, but yes, she thought that I don't need to be here, but offcourse I knew that my presence would undoubtedly annoy the hell out of her, so I decided to tag along anyway," and there was that smirk of his, whilst Rose looked ready to throttle him. Well that was just hilarious and when I cracked up laughing, I got one sub-zero glare from Rose. I only stopped when I realised my g-rents were sleeping.

"Anyways, are you okay?" Rose asked. "Alice thought she saw-" she was cut off by a quick glance from Edward, not quick enough for me to miss though.

"Alice thought she saw what?" I asked ignoring Edward altogether and looking sternly at Rose. She actually looked scared at what she had let slip. "Oh nothing, it's just her being all weird as usual." I let it drop, hoping that she would tell me eventually, probably when Edward wasn't around. What I didn't expect was that Edward would be the one to tell me everything.

After Rose got a call from Emmett, she left and that just left Edward and me. I just have one word to sum that all up in. Awkward. I pretended to look for something on my desk so that he had enough time to just leave without me having to say anything else.

But he didn't, instead he started talking. "Did you want to go for a walk? I think there are some things that I need to explain." I was curious about what he had to say and I had things I wanted to ask him, so naturally I agreed. I nodded my head and followed him out the window. We walked towards the forest and it wasn't until we were well into it, that he started talking.

"So you're really okay then?" he asked. I looked at him incredulously. "You know, it may seem like I don't care about what happens to you most of the time, but that's not entirely true."

"Why?" I stared him down.

"Because…" he paused. I was shocked at the next thought that came to my mind. I wanted him to say 'because I'm falling for you.' Yeah, deluded much? I think there was no longer any way for me to deny that I felt something for Edward Cullen. And that sort of annoyed the hell out of me. To my disappointment, he continued saying, "because you are a friend of Rose and therefore mean a great deal to her. I doubt she would want you hurt."

"Okay whatever," I wanted to change the subject and stop thinking about the fact that I wanted Cullen, Edward Cullen. "So why do you guys freak out whenever a new vamp enters the scene?"

"Well apart from the obvious danger to the humans in the area, we have another complication. Do you think you can put up your shields so that no one can hear us?" I nodded and did as he asked.

"The complication is…?"

"Werewolves." So whatever I thought he was going to say, this was not it. Before I could ask him to repeat himself, he continued. "The Quiluete Tribe resides in this area. They're descendants of the wolf and are able to change into wolves to protect their tribe and their lands. We made a pact with them that we would not hunt on their lands."

"Wait, so does that mean, they're going to kill me for bringing new vamps into the area?" I said softly. Was this for real? Jane and Dimitri had never mentioned wolves.

"Well I don't think they know that the vamps keep coming for you, if that's what they're even coming for." He seemed troubled. I guess he was worried about his family too. "Plus, they're probably blaming us anyway since we're the only known vamps in the area."

"You know I can go explain that it's not you guys, you know." His face went hard and determined. "No, you're not going to do that." His voice was so commanding that I just nodded and looked down. His voice softened, "It's really not safe for you to go to them or talk to them."

"Well you do."

"Only with all my family there too and it's always in a neutral area and there are always an equal number of wolves and vamps present." I could see a lot of strategy had to go into meet ups with these wolves. "You see, the wolves are very temperamental. They change in an instant and their anger gets the better of them most often than not. We all need to be as calm as possible."

I laughed. "I'm guessing Jasper always has to be there then."

"Yeah he does," he wasn't laughing though.

"Aww come on lighten up. I get it. The wolves. Dangerous. Stay away from them." I saluted him. At least that got a grin out of him.

"So what else did you have to tell me?" I asked, not wanting our walk to end.

"Well, we should probably get to work on our assignment."

"I've already finished my part. I can give it to you when we get back." I couldn't read his expression at that moment, but he seemed to be thinking quite hard. And then his voice went cold and distant. "Well that was all I needed to say. Do you have anything to add?"

"Can I ask you a question?" I wanted to lighten the atmosphere, but I'm not sure if asking this question would do that. It had the potential of doing the exact opposite.

"Yes." He was so calm.

"Are you going to answer it?"

"Well that depends on the question." I hesitated. "If you don't ask, you won't get any answer at all, you know."

"Okay, so why do you hate me so much?"

"I don't." Well that cleared everything up didn't it? I rolled my eyes.

"Then why did you hate me?" I looked at him expectantly.

"I didn't. I just…" he ran his hand through his hair. Focus Alex, I had to tell myself. Man, I wish he would stop doing that. It was too distracting. "That night, when we were in your room and your stitches came undone." I was trying to repress the memory. I hoped he wouldn't remember how good blood smelled. "It made me realise how much of a monster I am," he hurried on before I could interrupt him. "I just wanted to stay away from you for your own safety."

"So you thought making me think you hate me would make me stay away? That obviously worked well." We both laughed. "Although to be fair, you're the one following me."

"I guess it didn't work too well. I blame you for that though." He glanced at me before looking away.

"For what?" I asked surprised. "What did I do?"

"You made me want to get to know you more." I blushed uncontrollably. Thank God, he was looking away. I calmed myself down. "Yes, well I'm pretty awesome." I tried to say nonchalantly.

I thought I heard him say, "Yeah, you are." Okay so I really was delusional now. I really needed to get my head checked by some shrink or something.

"So why don't you and Rose get along?"

"Rose and I are just different. We have a different kind of bond. Arguing is how we show each other that we care. It's been like that for over 100 years and it works for us."

"Kind of like how it works for us too." I grinned at him. He smiled back at me.

"So tell me more about your family." I wanted to know more. I wanted to know everything about him.

"Well Carlisle is my father. He's a doctor at the local hospital. He made me when I was about to die from the Spanish Influenza. Esme is his wife and my mother. She really is the most caring woman I've ever known. You already know about Rose. Emmett is her husband and he's the muscle of the family. I guess that's his extra power. And then there's Jasper. You already know about his power. He's the newest member of the family. It's the hardest for him to control his cravings, but he's getting there. He's with Alice. Oh Alice, where to begin with her. She is the most energetic and excited person you'll ever meet. She gets visions of the future. They're not always accurate though, because the future can always change."

"What? Seriously? That's awesome. Remind me to ask her if I'm going to win the lottery tomorrow," I said half jokingly.

"She could probably tell you the winning numbers." My jaw dropped in amazement. Edward seemed to find that extra funny. So I just continued walking in silence, whilst he laughed at my shock.

"So what did Alice see then?" He looked confused, trying to play innocent. He couldn't fool me though. "You know, the thing you wouldn't let Rose tell me?"

"Oh that. You really want to know?" He eyed me curiously. I nodded. Oh no, this was going to be bad. If I wasn't already half-dead, I'd swear he was going to tell me that I was about to die.

"Well, she saw you having a confrontation with a couple of the wolves." Really? That didn't sound too bad. I mean, what could be worse than fighting a vampire. Pretty much nothing, that's what. I wasn't scared but at the same time I was worried about the fact that both Rose and Edward had come to check on me. It can't have ended well in Alice's vision. And I could see it in Edward's face, he was worried.

"When does this happen and who comes out on top?" I smirked, trying to make Edward feel better.

"Tonight." And then he stayed silent for the longest time. What was I supposed to say?

"Well, look you're here with me so nothing's going to happen right? The vision's already changed." He seemed to lighten at that, but his eyes were still intense and he had obviously not stopped thinking about whatever he saw in Alice's vision. "So stop stressing, if something's up she's going to call you."

"You're right." We kept walking. I was starting to wonder how far away from the house we were.

"I wanted to ask you something else. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"Yeah, what is it?" I was a little nervous.

He hesitated. "Aw, just ask Cullen. I won't bite." We both chuckled at my word choice.

"I just wanted to know if you were going out with David again." He looked away. Was that embarrassment that I just saw on his face?

I was shocked that he cared. Why would he even want to know? And then the realisation hit me that he probably thought I would hurt David. He was embarrassed for thinking that too.

"Don't worry I'm not going to hurt him." I on the other hand, was hurt that he would think something like that. I looked down and he saw that I was upset. "I'm not seeing him again," he seemed relieved. How tactful of him. "And for the record, I wouldn't have drank from him."

And then his reaction changed completely. He started to laugh uncontrollably. I was pissed and started to walk away. He caught my hand. "Wait. That's not what I meant Alex."

"What did you mean then?"

He looked deep into my eyes. His face was determined. "I like you Alex…a lot…and so I wanted to know that you weren't seeing that twat again." I had the largest and cheesiest grin possible planted on my face.

"He's not a twat Cullen," Edward just raised his eyebrows at me "Well not a big one at least." I pushed him away and said "Come on, we better get back." He stiffened. "What? I do have to-" Did he really think we'd be here all night talking? But one look from him silenced me. He pressed his finger to his lip and I knew I had better shut up. He whispered in my ear, which as you can imagine, for a vampire was seriously quite. "Your shields are still up right?" I nodded. He was starting to freak me out.

"Keep them up." He grabbed me and threw me on his back and then he was running. I felt the rush of wind on my face. I moved the air aside so that he was able to run faster. Although I didn't know how that was even possible. Edward was the fastest thing I'd seen. Within a minute we were back at my house. He jumped quickly and both of us were in my room. He let me down and went to look out the window again. "Can you put the shield up all around your house? Make sure your grandparents heartbeats can be heard and get rid of our vamp smell."

That was kind of tricky, but I got it done. I sat down on the bed. "What's going on Cullen?"

"They were there," he said as he sat down next to me. "The wolves, well two of them. I could hear their minds."

"Did they know we were there?"

"No, I think your shields worked fine. I just hope they can't follow our scent."

"But what's the problem? I mean, you're not on their land."

"I think they've caught on about the new vamps that have been in the area. They can smell traces of their scent left behind. Especially from tonight's attack. They probably have your scent too, which means that they're going to check this place out I guess. I should go."

I wanted to say 'But I don't want you to.' Luckily I stopped myself before the words came out. I would have totally sounded like some lovesick loser. But that thought only entered my mind for a millisecond. My thoughts then immediately turned to my grandparents and their safety. I think he saw the worry on my face. He turned to me and with eyes so reassuring said, "It's okay Alex. I'm just going to tell Carlisle. Hopefully we can sort this out with the wolves. I'll see you soon." And with that he jumped out of the window, grabbing his phone out of his pocket, whilst I was left there sitting on the bed with my thoughts. Seemed like déjà vu, except this time I wasn't afraid of him.

So Edward finally admits his feelings, what do you think? I wanted to make their bickering go on for a while longer, but I thought let's just get on with the action :D But it's ok, I'm sure with Alex's personality, the arguing(only the good kind) will continue LOL

Laterz