'Alice do you think this is really a good idea?' Looking down at my best friend whose face was filled with excitement I knew her answer probably wasn't going to be in the negative.

'Bella of course this is a good idea, it's Halloween tonight, we are in one of the most haunted cities in the country and look at this fog – spooky atmosphere or what?'

Spooky? Bone chilling more like. The freezing fog hung heavily in the air, wrapping around my body like an unwelcome, chilled blanket. I was thankful for my thick padded jacket, woollen hat and gloves as we waited for our tour guide for this ghost walk. The heavy fog meant I could barely make out anything around me, and although I certainly wasn't one to scare easily I was a little unnerved.

This had been the trip of a lifetime, something that I always imagined would never happen – a pipe dream if you will. I was from a small town in Washington, and I never saw myself ever making the journey to England, something I had secretly craved to do since first reading Jane Austen.

Alice and I had grown up together in Forks, as teenagers we would sometimes pretend to be British, Alice feigning an uncanny cockney accent while I tried to emulate Bridget Jones. We would end up laughing, vowing that one day we would make the trip no matter what, find out if London really was full of big red buses and populated by handsome, brooding men.

After attending Udub and majoring in journalism, we both and managed to secure decent jobs upon leaving, our lives were moving along nicely. Alice came up with this plan after her most recent foray into dating had ended up a bust. James had turned out to be a little too intense, stalking Alice day and night after she broke up with him. We were both earning good money, Alice had a regular column with a women's magazine advising people on the latest must haves, while I spent my days writing reviews of other people's literary works, all the time wishing I had the courage to submit my own.

Anyway back to how we got here. So Alice had a creepy stalker and I was feeling more than a little jaded. I had given up the dating scene long ago, after my last boyfriend had turned out to be a cross dressing freak I was a little gun shy shall we say – Thanks a lot Mike Newton. Finding him wearing one of my favourite underwear sets was humiliating, finding him wearing it while his friend Tyler smacked his ass – horrifying.

'We need to get away and we have vacation time saved up. Let's do it Bella, let's go to England.' Alice had come to me with the idea on my birthday last month, turning twenty five was a milestone right, and we both deserved this.

Our three week vacation had started in London; we visited all the touristy locations, posed for pictures in front of Buckingham Palace that sort of thing. Alice made a trip to Top shop, going into raptures at the clothes, while I enjoyed the museums. We had a ball going to see a west end show; it was everything we had ever imagined and more.

Next we moved on to Stratford, birthplace of Shakespeare. We took a beautiful river cruise on the most glorious autumn day there, the bright blue sky and crisp but warm day was forever imbedded in my memory.

Now we had made our way to York, a picturesque, small city full of history that I had fallen in love with. Walking along the narrow, cobbled streets filled with unusual quirky shops was like a dream come true for me. Nothing prepared me for the sight of the Minster lit up at night, its gothic architecture looking almost surreal against the night sky. Alice had wanted to do something extra special for Halloween and seeing as we were in 'the most haunted city in the world,' what better thing to do than partake of one of the many ghost walks the city boasted?

A few other people had joined Alice and me now outside The Golden Fleece pub. The tour was due in start in a few minutes; I looked longing through the window of the pub at the roaring fire and laughing faces. I would much rather be enjoying a nice alcoholic drink near that warm fire than trudging round in the dark looking for ghosts.

Beside me I felt Alice begin to bounce on her toes just before I heard a throat clearing. Looking up I couldn't help the little giggle that left my mouth, our guide had arrived – complete with black cape, white make up and tiny red paint dribbling from the corner of his mouth, his blonde hair slick back from his forehead.

'He's gorgeous,' Alice whispered. I shook my head and grinned, I guess he could be considered handsome if you liked that whole 'Dracula' get up.

'Hi my name is Jasper and I'll be your guide this evening. We will be visiting some of the most haunted places in the city and if we are lucky maybe catch sight of a ghost or two. Please stick together and if things get a bit much feel free to cuddle up to me.'

The last piece of that speech was levelled at Alice as he winked in her direction. Alice did look adorable wrapped in her bright red, wool coat, a glittery black wool hat adorning her head, plus who could resist those big blue eyes? Eyes that we now firmly trained on Jasper. Alice was small and dainty with beautiful elfin features, men tended to fall at her feet on a regular basis so I wasn't in the least bit surprised that Mr Ghost Walk was instantly smitten.

I was okay looking, my best asset being my clear, pale, flawless skin. My features were regular but certainly not out of the ordinary and I was blessed with boring brown hair and eyes. I guess I was miss average in just about every way possible but I could live with that and certainly didn't resent Alice and the attention she received.

With one last hopeful look through the pub window I reluctantly followed our small group as we set off on the ghost hunt. There were two older couples who from their accents seemed to be Scottish, they chattered excitedly together as we walked along. A group of teenagers had arrived at the last minute; they were dressed all in black and wore distinctly Goth type make up. They seemed to be taking this tour very seriously and they were definitely no giggles coming from their solemn faces, frankly they freaked me out a little.

Jasper was a wonderful story teller and I found myself captivated by the tales he weaved of beheadings and other unfortunate incidents that had befallen people long ago. Looking over at Alice I could see that she was equally captivated and was inching closer and closer to him as the tour progressed.

Raising my eyebrows at her when her gaze caught mine she grinned and mouthed 'wow.'

I gave her the thumbs up sign and she giggled before sidling up to Jasper and taking his arm. He seemed delighted by this new development and bent his head to whisper something in Alice's ear.

As we walked down one of the dark alleyways where some nefarious deed had taken place even I began to feel a little creeped out. I found myself at the rear of the group and kept glancing over my shoulder in case some ghostly figure was waiting to accost me in the dark.

My over active imagination was not an asset at times like this.

Jasper was now telling the story of the ghostly choir of Bedern, orphans who had been rounded up and treated appalling, dying in their hundreds at the hands of a cruel master. The man later became convinced he could hear the children's wails and had to be committed to an asylum. To this day it is claimed the children's screams can still be heard.

Holding my breath I listened intently to the night around me, my gasps causing swirls in the fog that surrounded me.

Crap Bella, you really need to get a grip.

We proceeded onward and I stumbled in the dark, the lace on my boot had become undone and I huffed before bending over and retying it. As I straightened up I realised that I could no longer make out my group in the fog, panic ceased me for a second and I strained my ears trying to hear Jasper's, or anyone's, voice.

Nothing. I was surrounded by silence and thick, freezing fog that numbed my face. For a brief second I considered screaming but how pathetic was that? I just had to find my way back out to the brightly lit streets – it really couldn't be that hard.

I walked along the narrow alleyway coming out onto another narrow street, no houses or familiar landmarks in sight. Blackness surrounded me and I decided it was best to keep moving, almost running now I headed through the next alleyway, my breath leaving my body in relief when I spotted a figure in front of me.

'Oh thank god, I'm kind of lost...' The figure turned and now I was closer I could make out the black cape and eerie white face, he wore a starched white shirt with an elaborately tied cravat, and in his hands he held a cane and a surgeon's bag. This is how I always imagined Jack the Ripper would look like.

Holy Shit!

I blinked spastically, my breathing becoming shallow – I was going to faint.

Heavy footsteps approached and I heard a melodic voice asking me if I was alright before everything went black.

'Bella?'

Groaning I mumbled, 'just a few more minutes Alice.'

Laughter followed my words and I slowly opened my eyes to see not just Alice peering at me but Jasper and Jack too.

My eyes widened and my hand grasped my throat as I stared into his hypnotising green eyes. Jack no longer seemed as pale, and he was no longer wearing the cape or the cravat. In fact now I looked at him I realised he was in actual fact a very handsome man.

Sitting up slowly I took in my surroundings, it appeared we were in the sitting room of the pub we originally started from. Someone had placed me into one of the comfy armchairs near the fire; my coat was also unbuttoned letting the warmth hit my skin.

'What happened?' I asked weakly.

'Well Edward here,' Alice pointed to the man I had dubbed Jack. 'He saw you coming out of an alleyway and then you fainted.'

A low laugh left Edward's throat, the sound making my skin tingle. 'I think I may have scared you a little, you turned white as a sheet and I think you called me 'Jack' before collapsing.'

'Oh right,' I could feel my cheeks heating in embarrassment. 'I got separated from the group, my imagination went into overdrive, and seeing you ... well I thought you were Jack the Ripper,' I admitted sheepishly.

All three of them started laughing at my foolishness; I rolled my eyes and folded my arms in pretend annoyance.

'Only you Bella, only you.' Alice patted my arm. 'Edward does one of the other ghost tours hence the costume.'

My eyes caught Edward's; he looked vastly amused by my silliness, his mouth was turned up in a delightfully crooked grin, one cheek dimpling deliciously.

'I'm sorry for frightening you Bella.' Edward had a soft English accent, his voice was deep and sensuous and I may have sighed just listening to him. Alice's face came into view as she leaned round Edward; she was watching me and waggling her brows dramatically.

A snort left my mouth and I immediately clamped my hands over it trying not to look a complete imbecile.

Edward reached forward and passed me a small glass full of amber liquid. 'I thought a brandy might help for the shock.' Sipping the fiery drink tentatively I gave him a small smile.

Alice began telling me that Jasper and Edward were both professors at the university, both taught differing history courses and the ghost walk tours were something they enjoyed doing. 'I guess you could say we enjoy the drama of it, obviously we are frustrated actors under our usual tweedy suits,' Jasper joked.

Jasper had wiped most of his vampire make up off, his blonde hair now hung around his face in slight waves. He was slightly more rugged than Edward, his square jaw and deep blue eyes reminding me a little of the old cowboy films I used to watch with my father. Alice was practically drooling over him as we sat around the table, the cosy atmosphere making me relax and almost forget my earlier behaviour.

Alice and I talked about our trip, how much we were enjoying England, we had just over a week left here and already I was dreading this holiday ending.

'So what are your plans after York?' Edward turned toward me, his brown hair glinting red in the flames from the fire. He was crazily attractive, tall, muscular and frankly mouth watering.

'We're not sure,' Alice butted in. 'we really like it here and may stay a little longer.'

This was news to me but I didn't contradict her, because I was too busy looking into Edward's gorgeous green eyes and fangirling like a teenager.

'Hey so we've finished with the scary stuff for the night, would you girls like to have a few drinks with us?'

'Um,' was all I got out before Alice practically yelled 'we'd love to.' Way to play it cool Alice.

'I'm just going to the bathroom,' I said standing up and giving Alice a meaningful look.

As soon as we walked into the small, pink painted room Alice was leaping onto the counter and grabbing my hands as she squealed. 'Oh my god how gorgeous is Jasper? I swear I almost cream my pants every time he opens his mouth.'

'Classy Alice.'

'Shut it Bella, you can barely keep your eyes off Edward, in fact I think you actually mouthed 'wow' when he was talking.'

'It's that sexy accent – it's like my kryptonite.' Alice nodded in agreement and we both took a second to silently swoon over the ridiculously handsome men we had stumbled upon.

The rest of the night was spent laughing and joking, Edward and Jasper were so much fun.

'We should probably head back to the hotel,' I sighed after Edward had finished telling us about the time an old lady had beat him round the head with her handbag thinking he was some 'crack head lunatic,' when he stopped to help her while wearing his costume.

'You know we have a house just round the corner why don't you come for a nightcap?' How could I possibly be expected to refuse Edward when he shot me that crooked grin? My self control was nonexistent and I nodded without even looking at Alice.

Edward hooked his arm through mine and I immediately shivered when he opened the door of the pub as the bitter, freezing air hit me once more. Tugging me closer into his body, Edward gently tucked my head into his chest as we walked along the dark, empty streets. Suddenly this weather didn't seem so bad at all.

'So um you should know that we never do this.' Edward sounded nervous and I glanced up at him to see that he was watching me apprehensively.

'Do what?'

'What I mean is Jasper and I don't do these walks to pick up women, oh god this isn't coming out right.' Edward ran a hand through his thick hair and huffed in frustration.

'Are you trying to tell me that scaring women to death, buying them drinks and then taking them back to your place isn't an everyday occurrence?' I smirked up at him and was rewarded with that smile again along with a pinch to the side from the arm he had wrapped around me.

'Something like that,' he agreed.

Glancing over my shoulder I saw Alice had Jasper backed up against the pub's entrance and was eating him alive by the looks of things.

'Wow,' I muttered and Edward looked back to see what had caught my attention.

'Is she lifting him off the ground?' I sniggered at Edward's comment because it was fairly obvious who was in charge of that tryst.

'I've never seen Jasper so smitten,' Edward admitted as he stopped outside a small two storey town house and pulled some keys from his pocket. Opening the door he ushered me into a narrow hallway and held out his hand for my coat.

Shrugging out of it I handed it over and followed him into the kitchen. The place was small but homey, definitely not the kind of place you imagined two bachelors living. The kitchen was painted a cheery yellow, the perfect foil for the blue painted units.

'This is a really nice place; someone seems to be good at interior design.'

'That would be my mum. Jasper and I don't have a clue about stuff like that, as long as there's a bed I think that's all I care about.' Edward chuckled a little and handed me a coffee before joining me at the small dining table.

'You know you kind of scared me too tonight. Seeing you standing there was like all my dreams come true,' Edward shook his head and looked at me with a rueful expression. 'That was really cheesy wasn't it?'

'A little,' I laughed, patting his hand in mock sympathy.

'Hey it's not every day a beautiful woman falls at my feet.' I felt him nudge me with his knee and I knew my cheeks were blooming with colour, damn blush.

Snark was my only defence, 'again with the cheese.'

'It's not cheese if it's true.' I hadn't noticed that Edward had moved but when I looked up his face was so close to mine, he was leaning forward on his forearms and watching me through thick, dark lashes.

Seriously not sure what came over me, maybe I hit my head when I fainted but whatever. The next thing I knew I had firmly planted my mouth against his, my lips sucking gently on his full bottom lip. With a muffled gasp Edward returned my kiss feverishly and soon our chairs were knocked out of the way as we both stood. Edward tugged me forward and my hands found purchase on his shoulders as he pulled me tight against him.

Of all the things I imagined about this trip - a holiday romance, okay holiday fuck if I was been honest, was not one of them. But as Edward led me up the stairs, his lips barely leaving my flesh as we moved slowly entwined with each other - I really couldn't care less.

In the back of my mind I could vaguely hear Alice giggling downstairs but all thoughts flew from my head when Edward's lips latched onto the pulse point just below my ear.

Finding out Edward was still wearing the cape beneath his long coat made me giggle until his slightly cold fingers pulled my woollen sweater over my head, and then proceeded to gently trace the line of my waist and hip.

He laid me carefully down on the bed while he stood above me and stripped his clothes off. The guy was gorgeous, all long lean muscles, a faint sprinkling of hair narrowing down to a frankly impressive sight.

Edward smirked at my raised eyebrow and I grinned back. There was no awkwardness between us and I lifted my hips following his example by getting naked.

As Edward joined me on the bed I hooked my leg over his and proceeded to pepper small nibbling kisses over his chest. I felt his fingers tangle in my hair and heard him murmur my name. Running my hands over his firm buttocks I slowly moved them round to cup his impressive erection, Edward's hot breath hit my neck in pants and after a few strokes I was suddenly flipped on my back.

'My turn now.' That husky tone and the way his eyes appeared almost black made my thighs quiver in longing. Edward's mouth lowered to my breasts and his talented tongue flicked and teased my stiff nipples before he finally engulfed them in his warm, wet mouth fully.

Meanwhile his fingers had found the aching bud between my legs, the light brushes he was touching it with driving me nearly insane with want.

'Please,' I gasped. Edward's head shot up and I watched him grope about in the dark before I heard the ripping of foil and saw him rolling a condom onto his truly amazing cock. I could not wait to feel him inside me.

My hand gripped his as I pulled him back down to me, my other hand guiding his thick length into my body.

Humming in appreciation as Edward drove deep, my hands moved up his broad back, one curling into the hair at the nape of his neck.

Edward was slow at first and we moved together fluidly and with a grace I had never experienced before. Soon our tempo increased, I could feel my body tightening as Edward swelled within me.

With one final thrust I heard him sigh, 'Bella.' My hands fisting together at the back of his neck as my own climax took over.

I must have slept because the next thing I knew I was blinking in the darkness, unsure where I was for a moment.

A soft snore at my side brought everything back as I turned to see Edward curled up next to me.

The room had cooled significantly and I shivered a little. Pulling the quilt around my waist up over my shoulders I lay there wondering what all this meant when a shimmering glow caught my attention out of the corner of my eye.

I watched mesmerized as the ghostly figure of a young woman looked at me, her dress looked medieval and she smiled before disappearing through the wall.

How long I sat there in shock I didn't know, it was only when a warm hand pulled me back down and Edward placed his lips on mine once more that I snapped out of my stupor.

'I'm pretty sure I saw a ghost,' I whispered as Edward smoothed the hair from my brow.

'You saw Mary huh?' Edward did not seem in the least surprised by my confession.

'Mary?'

'It's believed she worked as a servant here, killed herself over some lost love or something like that.' Edward's fingers were now moving along my shoulders and I knew our conversation was over; my lips were already seeking his, my ghost forgotten.

The next morning found Alice, Jasper, Edward and I sat round their kitchen table drinking tea and chattering about my ghost sighting.

'And she smiled at you?' Alice asked incredulous.

'That's what it looked like,' I said, nodding my head.

'Maybe she was just glad to see that Edward was at long last getting some.' Jasper laughed loudly while Edward scowled at him.

We never made it any further in our trip, the rest of our holiday was spent in York and we become regulars on the ghost walk tours.

It was hard to say goodbye to Edward but both he and Jasper drove to the airport with us, already they were making plans to visit Seattle for Thanksgiving.

'I would never have guessed that doing those silly ghost walks would bring me the woman of my dreams,' Edward mumbled against my lips as we said goodbye at the airport.

Laughing a little I stroked his face. 'I'm going miss you - you know that right?'

'Not half as much as I'll miss you, I'll just have to keep telling myself that three weeks will go by quickly.' We kissed once more and I felt a little teary as Alice and I boarded the plane.

Alice was as equally head over heels as I was, but where I had no idea what all this meant she was convinced that Jasper was it for her.

'I told you it was a good idea,' she said a little smugly as we settled into our seats.

'What are you talking about?' I wiped under my eyes, already missing Edward terribly and we hadn't even taken off.

'The ghost walk silly, you didn't want to do it but I told you it was a good idea,' Alice reminded me.

'I'll never doubt you again,' I vowed and she gave me a satisfied smile before picking up her phone and shooting off a quick text.

Her phone beeped a second later and after reading the text she turned to me. 'Edward is bawling like a baby apparently, Jasper says he had to practically hold him back from running after you.'

'Oh my god, really?' My heart started beating quickly and I started to rise from my seat wanting to get to him.

'Sit down Bella, and trust me when I say that everything is going to work out.' Alice's hand pulled me back down and I sighed, reluctantly doing her bidding.

And you know what?

She was right.

A/N Happy Halloween, I thought I would pay homage to the city I hail from at this time of year seeing as it is supposed to be one of the most haunted cities in the world.

Hope you enjoyed it and as always I would love to hear your thoughts.