I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! :)

14. REVELATIONS

I took in Edward's presence as he stood before me with his hand outstretched, palm up to take mine. He was dressed in a crisp black tuxedo contrasting his skin that remained the color of ivory granite. A single red rose was pinned to his lapel. His reserved demeanor and casual elegance calmed my trembling nerves, and I smiled shyly as I placed my hand in his. I allowed him to lead me to the wooden dance floor, passing surprised stares and curious gazes from the other guests. I blushed, feeling the old familiar sense of being the only one in a vast crowd that captured Edward's attention. When we reached the center of the dance floor, I couldn't help the way my body stiffened as he suddenly turned to face me again, placing his hand on the small of my back while his other hand still held mine. He hesitantly pulled me closer to him and we began to sway to the gentle music. I felt myself shiver, from his close presence or how freezing cold his skin was, I wasn't sure. I remembered how I used to be comfortable with Edward's body temperature, but now that I was with Jacob…

"It's nice to see you again, Bella," Edward's angelic voice cut into my thoughts. "You look absolutely radiant tonight."

I smiled politely. "Thank you, Edward. You look very nice as well."

"Alice informed me that you had accepted Rosalie's invitation," he continued his casual greeting. "It's very kind of you to celebrate this occasion with us."

I glanced back up at him, remembering how formal he always was. "I wouldn't have missed it." With my heart still racing, I averted my eyes from his face again and focused on the rest of the crowd, waiting for my anxiety to cease.

Edward seemed to relax a little. "I'm sure Alice was pleased as well."

I nodded, then raised an eyebrow. "And you?"

Edward chuckled. "Yes, Bella. Your presence only added to my anticipation of this evening."

I took my eyes away from his that seemed to search my face for more and watched the other couples brush past us. Looks were cast our way and whispers were being exchanged, but I knew I had little to fear in this crowd. Besides Jasper's influence, I knew that the nobility of the vampires present would never allow them such acts of public violence. Rosalie would have seen to that, if only to keep the attention on herself.

I was still fascinated by the scene in front of me, but I knew Edward was giving them no thought. I could also tell that his gaze never left my face, and his intense stare made me reluctant to look back at him. Besides the fact that the choice I made had been Jacob, the Edward I used to know seemed to have disappeared. Along with what Alice had told me, I sensed the more subtle changes in Edward. Changes that no one else would be able to notice. Edward's gentle touch with me was gone, replaced with a current need to hold me against him almost forcefully. Even as we swayed to the romantic music, I sensed my own hesitations towards the person who had now become a stranger to me. The way my heart sped up at the subtle shifts of Edward's hand was no longer due to excitement, but fear. How I found myself beginning to pull away from him when I used to want him as close to me as possible. My once obsessive infatuation with a vampire had now turned into the natural reaction I should have always felt towards him, unrelenting dread.

I was in danger. I shouldn't be here, I should never have come. The more unsettled I began to feel in Edward's arms, the more I began to realize my foolish decision. I took a few deep breaths to try to steady the furious pounding in my chest, since I knew Edward along with everyone else around me heard it. As if sensing my distress, the arm across my back relaxed. Feeling like I had room to breathe again, I silently thanked Jasper. The band finished playing their current song, pausing to thank the sounds of polite applause. A few couples near us vacated the dance floor and began to make their way back to their seats, leaving a smaller crowd along with Edward and I. I went to step back from him, but he held me fast, content on swaying me gently. Despite our lack of music, I followed his lead and soon another classical melody began.

"I trust that you've been well," Edward spoke above me, breaking the silence.

I allowed myself to glance up at him just as we danced past a few low-hung lanterns. As the light spilled across Edward's face, my heart nearly stopped as I gazed into his eyes. Eyes that matched the crimson red rose that was pinned on his jacket. I felt a chill creep up my back and I did my best not to stare in horror.

"Yes," I attempted to keep the trembling in my voice under control. "I'm doing alright. And yourself?"

Edward seemed to smirk, then glanced over his shoulder for a moment. He leaned a little closer to me and set his gaze back on my face. "I trust that Alice has made you aware of some of my recent, should I say, changes."

"She has," I shivered as his delicate breath tickled my face, and I forced back the flood of memories that pounded my brain with his intoxicating scent. "And I must say that I don't understand."

"What is there to not understand, Bella?" His expression didn't change.

"What's there to-" I snarled, keeping close to him and lowering my voice. "What I don't understand is what happened to you, Edward?"

"Only what was meant to happen, Bella." He seemed content to leave it at that.

I set my jaw, completely frustrated with him. There were so many questions I wanted to ask, and so many answers that I needed to hear, but I wasn't sure if I even had the right to know anymore. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, choosing the easier questions first.

"Where have you been?" I whispered.

"Where have I been?" Edward repeated.

"After the last time I saw you… on the road," I stared deep into his eyes, ignoring the tremors of fear that crept up my spine. "Where did you go?"

For a moment, I thought I saw a glint of the Edward I used to know flash in his eyes. The fixed expression faltered and I was reminded of the warm pools of liquid gold that I could stare into for hours, his last remaining human trait. It was only for a moment, and then it was gone. Edward's eyes were lifeless again, his stare cold like his skin.

"I left Forks, Bella," he explained to me. "I'm now living in Denali, Alaska."

"Denali," I repeated, remembering back to important aspects of the Cullen's history. Aspects that I had once been curious to learn about.

"Yes," Edward continued, "with the other coven of vampires like us."

The pieces began to come together slowly in my mind as he watched my expression carefully. I could tell there were details he was keeping from me, and even as the creature in front of me was becoming less and less recognizable, I still knew too much about his past.

I leaned closer to him again. "Those vampires aren't like you."

Edward knitted his brow.

"They're like your family, but they're not like you. At least, not anymore."

We continued to sway back and forth, and Edward's lips formed a tiny smile as he realized what I understood. "No, Bella," he smirked. "You're right. I guess they're not like me. Or maybe I should say that I'm not like them."

I swallowed, willing my hands to stop shaking even though I knew Edward noticed. "I thought they were civilized vampires," I whispered. "And they wouldn't put up with your sort of… lifestyle."

Edward sneered as he discreetly glanced over his shoulder. He turned his gaze back at me, a mixture of hesitation and vindication on his face. "Let's just say they were persuaded."

I narrowed my eyes at him, becoming increasingly aggravated with his way of being so indirect. Edward must have understood my body language, because he gently turned me in the direction he had just been looking at over his shoulder. Curiosity getting the better of me, I tore my eyes from his and scanned the crowd for my answer.

A pair of amber eyes caught mine from across the backyard, and I wouldn't have given them another thought except for the icy chill she caused to tremble down my spine. The vampire stood on the perimeter of the dance floor glaring at me with a look of sheer hatred. A few couples would sway in my path, momentarily breaking my view of her beautiful face, but her glare never faltered. I knew Edward was the only one who could actually read her thoughts, but I didn't have to as the rage boiled in her eyes, her fists clenched in her seething anger. I ripped my eyes from hers feeling a little breathless, and Edward spun me in the opposite direction, away from the chilling stare. I collected my thoughts, remembering the clan of vampires what had stayed close with the Cullens. Remembered their history. Edward waited silently above me, and I eventually looked up at him.

"Tanya," I whispered coldly. "She's the one who convinced the others to let you stay."

Edward nodded, an almost compassionate look on his face.

I shook my head as everything came into focus. The icy stare, Edward's hesitation, and his connection with vampires who still believed everything he no longer did.

I gazed into Edward's crimson eyes. "She always loved you, didn't she?"

Edward seemed to pause, mulling over my statement. He even stole a glance at Tanya over my shoulder. "Yes," he looked back down at me. "I suppose she has."

For a moment, an old familiar feeling of jealousy made my skin ignite and there was a tightening in my chest. Beneath the hardened exterior, I knew Edward was there somewhere. My Edward, who had once held my heart hostage. The Edward who watched over me at night and wrote me songs, who left notes on my pillowcase and asked me to marry him. That Edward had once belonged to me. But not only did this Edward not belong to me anymore, but he no longer existed.

Edward reached up and took my left hand from his shoulder, momentarily breaking our dance. He studied my engagement ring for a moment, then placed my hand back where it had been, resuming our swaying.

"As for you, I suppose a congratulations are in order." He attempted a smile, but there was no emotion behind it.

"Thank you."

"I suppose he always loved you too," he looked into my eyes. "Didn't he?"

I nodded, unable to hide the warm smile that snuck across my lips. I wasn't ashamed to admit my feelings for Jacob, apparently now even to Edward, and it helped that I was aware that he had moved on as well. The evening breeze shifted, brushing my hair off my shoulders.

"Still keeps a watchful eye on you, does he?" Edward mused, attempting to hold back a grimace.

I paused, giving Edward a puzzled look.

He motioned towards the dark forest. "I'll never get used to that smell."

I nodded in acceptance, remembering Jacob's promise to patrol the woods near the wedding.

"As long as he takes care of you," pain flickered in Edward's eyes. "Then I'm happy for you both."

I smiled warmly, glad that we had gotten to a place where we could feel comfortable talking about each other's lives. "I'm happy for you too," I obliged him, the words still leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

"Bella, don't be ridiculous," he brushed off my sentiment. "It's not like that."

My smile faded. "What do you mean?"

Edward raised an eyebrow. "You seriously think that I have the same feelings for Tanya?"

I was taken aback by his gruffness. "Well, you said that-"

"Any sort of relationship the two of us have is strictly for each other's own intentions," he seemed to go rigid in my arms. "It's not any sort of thing that a human would understand. I have my agenda, and she has hers. There's nothing more to it than that."

I slowly shook my head. "There are no feelings involved? Then what's the point?"

"I told you that you wouldn't understand," Edward looked past my shoulder again. "I get from her what I need, and apparently she gets what she needs."

We continued to sway in silence, Edward's words rattling around in my brain. A question forced its way to my lips, but I was afraid to utter it. Afraid of the question or afraid of the answer I wasn't sure, but eventually I realized I had nothing to lose. Whether I wanted to or not, I was slowly learning everything.

I took a deep breath. "So it's not like it was with me," I looked up and caught Edward's stare, "when we were together."

Again, I felt a slight shift in his demeanor. His hand rubbed my back gently and the immovable glare on his face softened.

"No," he whispered, his angelic voice soft. "Not when we were together. No agendas. No ulterior motives. Just us."

I nodded, hoping he realized I'd heard enough. I broke his gaze and glanced down at our moving feet and I was relieved to feel his hand tighten on my back again. When I glanced back up again, the rough exterior had returned.

"That was ages ago, when we were together…"

I was surprised to hear Edward continue.

"Another time. When everything was so different…"

I watched Edward almost look through me again, then he seemed to refocus his eyes on my face and his jaw tightened.

"But things have changed. I've changed. And there's no going back."

"So, she only gets part of you," I mumbled, thinking out-loud.

"Yes, you could put it that way," Edward mused.

"That's… sad," I whispered.

Edward grinned his crooked smile and leaned closer to me. "Well then, I guess that's enough for her."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling like that comment was aimed at me as well. "Guess we all do stupid things sometimes, especially when it comes to love," I whispered with spite.

"And as much as she may believe a different way than I do," Edward grinned at me. "She's certainly spending a lot of her time reconsidering her morals this evening."

I froze, understanding completely what he was hinting at. "That's not funny, Edward," I glared at him.

"Bella," he gently shook his head. "You really think that after all this time, I would allow someone else to destroy you?"

I smiled slightly, a little relieved that I still had no reason to fear him. As my heartbeat subsided, I noticed that Edward was still staring at me, the slightest smile on his lips. My blood ran cold as his previous words settled into my brain.

"Oh," I shivered a little, "you mean, you would destroy me."

Edward shrugged. "I certainly wouldn't allow anyone else the pleasure."

I stood rigid, frozen in place as he reached up and curled a couple strands of my hair around his fingers. I couldn't tell if his threat had any credit behind it, but my heart still pounded in my chest as I watched him take another breath of my scent.

"You know, Bella… I've always been drawn to you, not matter how much I've tried to keep my distance."

I kept my stare on his face, his gaze looking through me as if in a trance-like state, memories of years past kept his attention as he continued to play with my hair. Edward then seemed to come out of his daydreams and let go of my hair, spinning me around to the music once more.

"Bella, relax. I would never partake in such activities at my own sister's wedding. That would be in quite poor taste."

"Excuse me, Edward," I snarled. "But I'm not so sure about your own morals anymore."

Just then the band's current song ended and again we broke apart, joining the other couples as they clapped politely while neither of us took our eyes off the other. I could see the anger churn in his stare at my previous accusation, and that this point I wanted nothing more to do with him. I turned to leave, but as another melody floated through the crowd, he wasted no time in grabbing my arm and pulling me to him once more.

"You did this to me," he spat as he forced my hand into his. "When you chose him, this is what happened."

"Don't you dare make this my fault," I snapped back, ignoring the few stares cast in our direction. "This was your decision. Your choice. To leave your family-"

"Don't bring my family into this Bella," Edward cut me off, fury in his eyes. "Don't you dare speak of my family like you're still a part of it, don't forget that you left us too."

My heart sank. "That is not fair," my stern voice wavered a little.

"Every decision has its consequences, Bella," he lectured me.

"You're right," I set my jaw. "Just as your decisions have their own as well."

Edward knitted his brow. "What are you saying?"

"I think you know exactly what I'm saying," I lowered my voice.

We remained this way for a moment, glaring at each other, neither of us bothering to begin dancing again. Edward's hand was still gripping tight to my upper arm.

I swallowed. "She never thought you would leave," I broke the silence, some of the acid gone from my voice.

Edward lifted his gaze above me and by the way his expression softened I was sure he caught Alice's stare from across the lawn. He seemed to relax in my arms, and after a moment he looked back down at me.

"You abandoned them," I glared at him, ignoring the fear that tightened my chest. "You left. That's all you know how to do is leave. And now you'll leave your new family to join those murderers in Volterra-"

Edward instantly yanked me to him, cutting me off with his unbelievable strength. "I wouldn't say such things Bella, keep in mind the company you're in," he snarled in my ear.

"Alice told me," I whispered, my voice barely audible as he held me against his chest. "Told me you plan on becoming a monster, just like them."

"They've done more for our kind than you can possibly imagine," Edward relaxed his intense grip on me. "Keep in mind my father was once part of the group you refer to as 'monsters'."

"Carlisle's your father now?"

"I cannot imagine what else I would refer to him as."

"I've never heard you refer to him as such," I eyed Edward suspiciously. "You had a real father once."

"Yes, I had a father that brought me into the world as it was then," he replied. "Just as Carlisle became my father when he brought me into the world as it is now. Carlisle taught me everything he had come to believe in, just as my father before him." Edward continued. "One must choose their own destiny when the time is right, Bella."

"And what does your father think of the life that you've now chose?" I pushed him.

"I would expect that he would want me to follow what I believe in. To do what I think is best," he replied with no feeling.

"Is that really how he feels?" I questioned him. "Or what you tell yourself he would say?"

Edward glared at me. "Like I said before," his words dripped with contempt, "every decision has its consequences. You wouldn't understand."

"Oh, that's right," I rolled my eyes. "I forgot, I'm just a silly human, I wouldn't understand such complicated ideals like compassion or a sense of moral decency…"

"Bella…" his tone warned me.

"Let alone the fact that you're attempting to justify abandonment by dressing it up as a fate that you cannot escape. That's not destiny, that's cowardice-"

"Bella, that is enough," he snarled through his teeth, his grip once again tight against my arm.

I chose to remain silent and studied his chiseled face, his features distorted as he glared at me. It was then that I realized how little he felt for me, how little he actually respected me, and how he only meant to control me. To control what I did, what I said, even what I thought. The person I was becoming had grown more aware of his dominance, and the more I rebelled against his will, the stronger he would fight to hold his ground.

"Edward," I swallowed, realizing that I had only one question left to ask. "…What have you been feeding on?"

The crooked smile returned to Edward's face, and I waited for him to answer me in his new witty, dry sense of humor.

"I don't think you want to know the answer to that question, Bella," he raised an eyebrow.

"Try me," I challenged him, thinking that perhaps he was right. Maybe I really didn't want to know.

Edward glanced past me at the crowd again, collecting his thoughts.

"I lived a certain way for a long time," he began. "A way that never seemed natural to me, but out of respect for those whom I cared very dearly for, I chose to comply."

I waited silently for him to continue.

"And, it's a funny thing…"

Edward smirked, and I knew there was no way I would find this as amusing as he did.

"It's remarkable how some things just naturally return to you, even after a great length of time. It's instinct."

My heart rate increased as he fixed his gaze on my face again.

"It was like handing a recovering alcoholic a glass of wine," he continued in his dramatic way. "And it seems that after such a long time of doing without… It just seemed to be better than I remembered."

"You are a monster," I snapped at him, unable to stop the words.

His gaze didn't shift, and he seemed to settle in perfectly fine to this new image. "If that's how you see me," he replied.

"I don't even know who you are anymore," I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. "I don't ever want to see you again."

"I think that would be best, Bella," he agreed with me.

"And stay away from my family."

He said nothing, but inclined his head.

I broke apart from him then, wrenching my arm out of his cold grasp.

Edward placed a hand over his silent heart. "It was lovely to see you again, Bella," he spoke above the crowd. "Thank you for sharing this beautiful evening with us."

My stomach twisted at his fake smile, and I couldn't bring myself to take part in the charades. I knew his warm departure only served to play to the small crowd around us. I turned my back to him and began to weave a path between the dancing couples away from his fake smile… Away from his blood-red eyes… Away from the creature he had sworn to me he'd never become. The low-hung lanterns warm light reflected off the cold ivory faces that continuously glanced my way and it began to make my head spin. I quickened my pace as I suddenly longed to escape to the cool quiet darkness. I broke through the crowd on the perimeter of the dance floor and stepped into the cool grass, feeling the color return to my cheeks.

"Bella!"

I cringed when I heard my name called behind me. Bracing myself to come up with a valid excuse for my abrupt departure, I froze as I turned and beheld the vampire that came to stand in front of me.

"Carlisle…"

"Please," the handsome doctor studied my face with what seemed to be compassion in his golden eyes, "don't allow his words to upset you."

I nodded in agreement, fighting back a few tears of frustration. "I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Showing up like this, I shouldn't have expected a warm welcoming."

"Just the same…" Carlisle's voice was soothing, "it was very gracious of you to accept our invitation."

I fidgeted under his gaze. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything…"

"There is no need for you to apologize for anything, Bella,"

"I just can't help but feel responsible," I explained.

Carlisle came forward and placed a cold hand on my shoulder. "This is of no fault of yours, Bella," he explained. "It's out of your control… And at this point, it's out of mine as well."

My mind searched desperately to find words to comfort him, but I knew it to be in vain. A single question remained, and against my better judgment I forced myself to ask it. "H-How do you feel about all this?"

Carlisle seemed to choose his response carefully. "I raised them all based on my beliefs, but I also encouraged them to stand up for what they believe in, even if I don't necessarily agree. Edward's only doing what he feels is best."

I watched his pained expression. "But…"

"But…" he continued. "He's still my son."

I nodded in acceptance, my heart aching as I watched the natural human emotions play across Carlisle's ivory features.

He steeled himself and gave me a warm smile. "It's getting late, Bella."

"Yes", I agreed with him. "I should be going."

"It was lovely to see you again," Carlisle inclined his head politely. "I'll inform Esme that you have grown into a beautiful young woman." He then gracefully turned and disappeared into the crowd of wedding guests once again.