When Angels Cry
by wizardtho
Chapter 7: Territorial
I was actually able to let Carlisle check my wings, once I had made sure Edward was securely wrapped in my arms. Edward just nuzzled his face deeply in my neck to help keep me calm, purring softly to me while gently massaging my hips. His comforting actions allowed me to relax just enough for Carlisle to put my wings through several different positions and transitions, plus carefully touch my wing bones to test their strength.
Still, I let out a breath in relief when Carlisle finally stepped far enough away for me to feel comfortable, my wings automatically embracing Edward as the tension inside me melted. Dad hummed as he looked at us in thought, then he seemed to come to some type of conclusion as his eyes lit up. He smiled softly at me, then just said, “Keep him as close as you need, Princess. Go with your instincts. You don't feel a need for him to change you yet, right? That's not the feeling you're getting?”
I furrowed my eyebrows, then shook my head, “No... no turning urge at all... not even when he marked me over my heart. I just don't like anyone getting too close right now... male or female. I feel like...”
I blushed, ducking my head into Edward's neck before mumbling, “Like... ummm... we need more time to bond alone.”
Dad chuckled, with everyone else chorusing him, then he touched my head and whispered, “We'll get the two of you fed, then you can have your alone time, Princess. I'll be turning in after we eat, but I think the rest want to be close incase you need something. Just remember to go with your instincts, Bells. Now, how about we try and get your wings put away?”
Dad was beaming at me with pride when it only took a mere few seconds of thought for my wings to be put away, then both he and Carlisle took a look at my back again. Carlisle offered, “Very well done, Bella. Edward, you did an excellent job healing her wounds. Not a spot missed, that I can see. Her skin has aligned perfectly on each wound. Humans won't notice anything. To supernatural beings, it just looks like two slightly-raised parallel lines on her skin for each wound. The skin is normal color, and there is no blood, so the healing was a complete success.”
My Edward let a relieved breath out, thanking Carlisle, then whispered his love for me into my neck.
When we all finally walked into the house a few minutes later, everyone started to find seats around the breakfast table and bar in the kitchen. I couldn't help but frown as Esme set plates down for Dad and myself, along with several large thermoses for Edward.
It wasn't that he would be drinking blood while I was eating that affected me... it was the fact his and my respective places were set next to each other, instead of together, that bothered me.
Esme noticed my frown right away, and I didn't want her to think I was ungrateful. “I'm sorry, Esme. Truly, this looks delicious, and I'm famished. It's just...”
Edward, sensing my emotions, pulled my plate in front of him, gently guided me into his lap, kissed my neck, then finished my explanation for me. “We need the contact, Esme. Our instincts are telling us the more contact we have still, the better we will both be.”
Esme's slightly confused look instantly melted into that motherly smile I loved as she cooed, “Oh, Darling, I apologize. Though I did hear you explaining that earlier, I didn't take it into account before I placed your meals on the table.”
I blushed slightly as I ducked my head into my Edward's neck, then mumbled, “Not necessary. I didn't mean to make you think something was wrong. It truly smells amazing. Thank you.”
Everyone talked easily while the three of us tucked into our meals. By the time I was halfway done with my second plate, Charlie was kissing me on the top of my head while whispering his love for me. I smiled up at him, then he leaned in to breathe between mine and Edward's heads, “Follow your instincts, Bells. I can see you fighting them to finish eating, but you and your angel are both needing your chosen now. Stop fighting your instincts. Let them guide you.”
With another kiss to the top of my head while I blushed a deep crimson, he chuckled, “Night everyone. Esme, thank you again for the delicious meal. I'll see you all after a very long sleep.”
It's true. I had been fighting my need for alone time with Edward since my second plate had been set in front of me; my need had only grown the longer I had tried to stay put. When I looked into my Edward's eyes, I could see the barely restrained longing I felt mirrored in his own eyes.
I was thankful when Carlisle cleared his throat to gain the attention of the whole room. He gave us a tender look, then offered to the family, “I think it's time for us to give Edward and Bella some privacy, everyone.”
They all made sounds of protest, but Carlisle cut in to explain, “We are all forgetting in our excitement, that not only has Bella been through a tremendous ordeal in the last few days, but she and Edward are a newly mated couple. They need time to bond without all of us hovering. Bella also needs a peaceful rest. They will call if something happens, or when they are ready for company tomorrow. Come, all of you. Say your good nights.”
It was nearly ten minutes of hugs, 'rest well' and 'call if you need anything' before finally... blissfully... Edward and I were locking up the house. When he let out a breath, leaned against the back door, then clicked the lock behind his back with his signature smirk, I couldn't help but giggle behind my hand, “Finally. I love our family, but they sure don't like taking a hint.”
He swooped me up into his arms bridal-style with a chuckle, then kissed my neck, humming, “All mine now, though. Are you tired?”
I blushed while connecting our gazes, then pulled his face to mine to whisper against his lips, “Not at all. I need to feel you... feel us... just us, and nothing else.”
My Edward's lips met mine a split second after I registered his eyes turning a deliciously dark amber. I hummed when the tension in my body started easing as soon as our tongues entwined.
I hadn't even realized we had been moving until I felt him gently setting me on my feet, then his hands slowly undoing the tie to my top. I broke the kiss, shivering in anticipation when his hands followed my top down to my breasts, then gasped slightly while my eyes fluttered when I felt his thumbs brushing my nipples.
I wanted to pout when his hands moved, but as my eyes caught his again, he whispered, “Shh, my little lamb. Let me take the time to appreciate you properly. I can't worship you nearly the way I crave while you're clothed. I don't want to rush this.”
I understood that this would be the first time we'd truly be together like this, since our actual first time was anything but typical, so I nodded and kissed his chest over his shirt before letting him continue.
Once my top was removed, my Edward took his time to gently run his fingers along my collar bones, around the swells of my breasts, then down the center of my abdomen, all with a look of pure love and longing in his eyes while whispering, “So beautiful.”
When he reached the spot just above the button to my pants, he knelt, placed his hands flat on my lower stomach, then looked up at me. His voice was just barely audible, but his emotions were full of wonder and hope as he whispered, “Since my change, I've never considered the possibility of being a father. I didn't believe it was possible, so I put it out of my mind.”
He leaned in to tenderly place kisses along my stomach, then looked back up at me before saying in a choked voice, “If I could choose anyone in the world to be the mother of my children, it would be you, Isabella. It might sound odd, but throughout dinner, I couldn't help but imagine how beautiful you would be while carrying our child. I found the thought of you expecting and glowing with life -the proof of our love growing inside you- quite sexy.”
He ducked his head, like admitting that embarrassed him, so I wove my fingers into his hair while saying, “Look at me please. That is nothing to be embarrassed about, My Lion. Knowing that you'd still find me sexy while pregnant is actually a huge relief. I must admit, I've had several thoughts of carrying our child since Dad mentioned it could be possible. I want this with you, Edward. Not just because it would be carrying on the line of angels, either. My thoughts keep coming back to one thing. It would be part of us... part of you. Any life that results from us showing our love for each other would be a blessing to me... physical proof of our love. So, if you're sure you want this, the only thing we can do is hope our instincts guide us in that direction.”
With that, Edward gave me a brilliant smile, kissed my stomach once more, whipped his shirt over his head, then popped the button on my pants.
Once he helped me remove my pants and cheeky shorts, he stood in front of me, but I shook my head when his fingers went to the button of his jeans. I whispered as I kissed his chest, “Let me... please.”
He nodded slightly before placing my hands on his chest. I couldn't help but let my fingers play in the ridges of his muscles. He let out a shuddered breath of my name as I nipped lightly at his ribs, then groaned and piled my hair away from my face when I nuzzled my face into his happy trail.
I looked up at him from my position on my knees; seeing the love and desire in his eyes was all I needed to continue. I popped the button, sliding the zipper down without letting my eyes leave his, but my eyes fluttered when I went to slip my hands between his boxers and jeans. He chuckled slightly at my reaction, but groaned when I squeezed his deliciously bare ass in my hands.
He toed his shoes and socks off quickly before I got his jeans down, then suddenly I was in his arms, being placed reverently in the turned-down bed. He kissed me slow and deep while hovering between my spread thighs, his hands teasing my curves. Our kiss broke with a gasp when I arched into the pleasurable feeling. “Edward... oh. This feels so much better than I imagined, having you above me.”
He pressed his body a tad bit deeper against mine while lavishing my neck with nibbles and licks, letting me know he understood. My arms went around his back in response. It wasn't long before we were both lost to anything outside of the two of us, and how incredible it felt to finally be together with no inhibitions.
We ended up making love on and off throughout the night, then into the early morning, with neither of us able to stand any space between our bodies. We would be catching our breath between rounds, when one of us would move just so or touch the other just right, which would lead to us making love all over again.
I couldn't seem to get enough of my mate. Sensing my feelings, Edward eagerly met me with passion and longing each time. It was a cycle neither of us deemed to put a halt to anytime soon, as we had both ached for this intimacy for too long.
When I finally fell breathlessly to the sheets just after dawn, limbs still entwined with my Edward's, he panted out a chuckle as he brushed the sticky hair away from my face. He had the most brilliant smile on his face, causing me to giggle as I brushed my thumb along his lips. He hummed, kissed my thumb, then asked in a slightly breathless tone, “Are you sated finally, my sexy little angel?”
I hummed, stretched like a cat, then offered while kissing his neck, “Mmhmm... for now. I can't imagine how long it will last, though. You seem to bring out the sex fiend in me, Mr. Cullen.”
He laughed, the sweetest sound to my ears, then smirked, “Well, I'll just have to make sure I keep you well and truly satisfied, no matter how often we need to make love to accomplish it. I can't fathom that particular task ever becoming a burden, Love, especially when you do that thing with your wings. Mmm, that was...”
There was a knock on the door, letting us know Dad was there. Edward quickly whispered that we'd have to finish that conversation later, before telling Charlie that we were both covered. He waited a few long seconds before tentatively peeking his head through the door.
When he saw us both covered and smiling as Edward held me close, Dad entered with a coffee cup in hand. “Morning. I waited until I thought you'd stayed calm long enough. I'm not interrupting, am I?”
I shook my head, “No, Dad. We were just talking. It's safe. Did you sleep well?”
He nodded, then blushed slightly while offering, “Yeah... it doesn't look like you've slept yet, though.”
Edward chuckled, then offered in my place, since I blushed wildly at Charlie knowing what we were up to all night, “Not yet. Her instincts are quite strong when they want something. They transfer to me through our bond, and it's futile trying to deny her, when my own feelings match hers.”
Charlie laughed at that, then handed me the cup of coffee, which he made just how I like it. “That's partly because of the two of you not having that connection all this time, I think. You two will find a balance eventually. Bells, you really need the rest though, because you won't fully recuperate from the birth of your angel until you sleep.”
I nodded before taking a sip of the steaming coffee, then said, “I promise I'll sleep soon, but I'm starving and really want a shower, so those two needs are being taken care of first.”
Edward agreed as he kissed my shoulder, then Charlie nodded before excusing himself from the room.
Edward and I took a calming shower together. When we returned to the room, clothes were laid out for both of us. He smiled, “Everyone's back. Apparently, Alice saw us being content for a while, and told Esme now was their chance, since she was worrying again. She wants to make sure we're both well, after how trying the last couple of days has been for us. The rest, of course, had to come along. Esme has your breakfast almost ready, and Carlisle brought freshly-bottled mountain lion for me.”
He chuckled at that as we both started to dress.
Oddly enough, I could scent the females in the house before Edward even opened up the bedroom door. A low growl forced its way up my throat, my instincts telling me to keep my mate close. Edward hummed as he wrapped his arms around me. He nuzzled my neck, then lifted my chin so I would look into his eyes. “It’s actually a relief that you feel territorial where I'm concerned, my little angel, especially with how territorial I have felt with you all this time. Listen to me, though... take in the more subtle undertones of each scent closely. Think around the fact that they are female.”
He brought his lips millimeters from mine, washing my face in his scent, then nipped my bottom lip between his teeth while fluttering his fingers along my wing marks. My eyes rolled back in my head before I moaned, “Right, scents... have to think...”
I let out a shuddered breath as I tried to gain my bearings, then slowly inhaled through my nose. A growl built in my chest as I sensed the females again, but Edward's arms around me had me calming enough to think rationally.
I drew in another long breath, noticing several things I hadn't before while tasting the air. Though they were female, there were heavy undertones of male scents that I recognized... Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett. “Females... mated scent... not temporary, but permanent. Soul mates, not partners.”
Edward smiled softly at me, cupping my cheek as he confirmed, “Yes, my lamb, soul mates. They are mated, and not at all interested in me romantically. They are not a threat to us. I know it's hard to make yourself understand that part right now, but they truly will not challenge you.”
I melted as my Edward resumed fluttering his fingers between my shoulder blades, the low growl in my chest slowly turning to a steady purr at the sensation. He kissed me tenderly, his own purr rising in his throat to harmonize with mine.
When the kiss ended naturally, he asked in a whisper, “Better, Love?” I nodded, feeling a bit better, then took his hand before squaring my shoulders and opening the bedroom door.
I was actually able to let Carlisle check my wings, once I had made sure Edward was securely wrapped in my arms. Edward just nuzzled his face deeply in my neck to help keep me calm, purring softly to me while gently massaging my hips. His comforting actions allowed me to relax just enough for Carlisle to put my wings through several different positions and transitions, plus carefully touch my wing bones to test their strength.
Still, I let out a breath in relief when Carlisle finally stepped far enough away for me to feel comfortable, my wings automatically embracing Edward as the tension inside me melted. Dad hummed as he looked at us in thought, then he seemed to come to some type of conclusion as his eyes lit up. He smiled softly at me, then just said, “Keep him as close as you need, Princess. Go with your instincts. You don't feel a need for him to change you yet, right? That's not the feeling you're getting?”
I furrowed my eyebrows, then shook my head, “No... no turning urge at all... not even when he marked me over my heart. I just don't like anyone getting too close right now... male or female. I feel like...”
I blushed, ducking my head into Edward's neck before mumbling, “Like... ummm... we need more time to bond alone.”
Dad chuckled, with everyone else chorusing him, then he touched my head and whispered, “We'll get the two of you fed, then you can have your alone time, Princess. I'll be turning in after we eat, but I think the rest want to be close incase you need something. Just remember to go with your instincts, Bells. Now, how about we try and get your wings put away?”
Dad was beaming at me with pride when it only took a mere few seconds of thought for my wings to be put away, then both he and Carlisle took a look at my back again. Carlisle offered, “Very well done, Bella. Edward, you did an excellent job healing her wounds. Not a spot missed, that I can see. Her skin has aligned perfectly on each wound. Humans won't notice anything. To supernatural beings, it just looks like two slightly-raised parallel lines on her skin for each wound. The skin is normal color, and there is no blood, so the healing was a complete success.”
My Edward let a relieved breath out, thanking Carlisle, then whispered his love for me into my neck.
When we all finally walked into the house a few minutes later, everyone started to find seats around the breakfast table and bar in the kitchen. I couldn't help but frown as Esme set plates down for Dad and myself, along with several large thermoses for Edward.
It wasn't that he would be drinking blood while I was eating that affected me... it was the fact his and my respective places were set next to each other, instead of together, that bothered me.
Esme noticed my frown right away, and I didn't want her to think I was ungrateful. “I'm sorry, Esme. Truly, this looks delicious, and I'm famished. It's just...”
Edward, sensing my emotions, pulled my plate in front of him, gently guided me into his lap, kissed my neck, then finished my explanation for me. “We need the contact, Esme. Our instincts are telling us the more contact we have still, the better we will both be.”
Esme's slightly confused look instantly melted into that motherly smile I loved as she cooed, “Oh, Darling, I apologize. Though I did hear you explaining that earlier, I didn't take it into account before I placed your meals on the table.”
I blushed slightly as I ducked my head into my Edward's neck, then mumbled, “Not necessary. I didn't mean to make you think something was wrong. It truly smells amazing. Thank you.”
Everyone talked easily while the three of us tucked into our meals. By the time I was halfway done with my second plate, Charlie was kissing me on the top of my head while whispering his love for me. I smiled up at him, then he leaned in to breathe between mine and Edward's heads, “Follow your instincts, Bells. I can see you fighting them to finish eating, but you and your angel are both needing your chosen now. Stop fighting your instincts. Let them guide you.”
With another kiss to the top of my head while I blushed a deep crimson, he chuckled, “Night everyone. Esme, thank you again for the delicious meal. I'll see you all after a very long sleep.”
It's true. I had been fighting my need for alone time with Edward since my second plate had been set in front of me; my need had only grown the longer I had tried to stay put. When I looked into my Edward's eyes, I could see the barely restrained longing I felt mirrored in his own eyes.
I was thankful when Carlisle cleared his throat to gain the attention of the whole room. He gave us a tender look, then offered to the family, “I think it's time for us to give Edward and Bella some privacy, everyone.”
They all made sounds of protest, but Carlisle cut in to explain, “We are all forgetting in our excitement, that not only has Bella been through a tremendous ordeal in the last few days, but she and Edward are a newly mated couple. They need time to bond without all of us hovering. Bella also needs a peaceful rest. They will call if something happens, or when they are ready for company tomorrow. Come, all of you. Say your good nights.”
It was nearly ten minutes of hugs, 'rest well' and 'call if you need anything' before finally... blissfully... Edward and I were locking up the house. When he let out a breath, leaned against the back door, then clicked the lock behind his back with his signature smirk, I couldn't help but giggle behind my hand, “Finally. I love our family, but they sure don't like taking a hint.”
He swooped me up into his arms bridal-style with a chuckle, then kissed my neck, humming, “All mine now, though. Are you tired?”
I blushed while connecting our gazes, then pulled his face to mine to whisper against his lips, “Not at all. I need to feel you... feel us... just us, and nothing else.”
My Edward's lips met mine a split second after I registered his eyes turning a deliciously dark amber. I hummed when the tension in my body started easing as soon as our tongues entwined.
I hadn't even realized we had been moving until I felt him gently setting me on my feet, then his hands slowly undoing the tie to my top. I broke the kiss, shivering in anticipation when his hands followed my top down to my breasts, then gasped slightly while my eyes fluttered when I felt his thumbs brushing my nipples.
I wanted to pout when his hands moved, but as my eyes caught his again, he whispered, “Shh, my little lamb. Let me take the time to appreciate you properly. I can't worship you nearly the way I crave while you're clothed. I don't want to rush this.”
I understood that this would be the first time we'd truly be together like this, since our actual first time was anything but typical, so I nodded and kissed his chest over his shirt before letting him continue.
Once my top was removed, my Edward took his time to gently run his fingers along my collar bones, around the swells of my breasts, then down the center of my abdomen, all with a look of pure love and longing in his eyes while whispering, “So beautiful.”
When he reached the spot just above the button to my pants, he knelt, placed his hands flat on my lower stomach, then looked up at me. His voice was just barely audible, but his emotions were full of wonder and hope as he whispered, “Since my change, I've never considered the possibility of being a father. I didn't believe it was possible, so I put it out of my mind.”
He leaned in to tenderly place kisses along my stomach, then looked back up at me before saying in a choked voice, “If I could choose anyone in the world to be the mother of my children, it would be you, Isabella. It might sound odd, but throughout dinner, I couldn't help but imagine how beautiful you would be while carrying our child. I found the thought of you expecting and glowing with life -the proof of our love growing inside you- quite sexy.”
He ducked his head, like admitting that embarrassed him, so I wove my fingers into his hair while saying, “Look at me please. That is nothing to be embarrassed about, My Lion. Knowing that you'd still find me sexy while pregnant is actually a huge relief. I must admit, I've had several thoughts of carrying our child since Dad mentioned it could be possible. I want this with you, Edward. Not just because it would be carrying on the line of angels, either. My thoughts keep coming back to one thing. It would be part of us... part of you. Any life that results from us showing our love for each other would be a blessing to me... physical proof of our love. So, if you're sure you want this, the only thing we can do is hope our instincts guide us in that direction.”
With that, Edward gave me a brilliant smile, kissed my stomach once more, whipped his shirt over his head, then popped the button on my pants.
Once he helped me remove my pants and cheeky shorts, he stood in front of me, but I shook my head when his fingers went to the button of his jeans. I whispered as I kissed his chest, “Let me... please.”
He nodded slightly before placing my hands on his chest. I couldn't help but let my fingers play in the ridges of his muscles. He let out a shuddered breath of my name as I nipped lightly at his ribs, then groaned and piled my hair away from my face when I nuzzled my face into his happy trail.
I looked up at him from my position on my knees; seeing the love and desire in his eyes was all I needed to continue. I popped the button, sliding the zipper down without letting my eyes leave his, but my eyes fluttered when I went to slip my hands between his boxers and jeans. He chuckled slightly at my reaction, but groaned when I squeezed his deliciously bare ass in my hands.
He toed his shoes and socks off quickly before I got his jeans down, then suddenly I was in his arms, being placed reverently in the turned-down bed. He kissed me slow and deep while hovering between my spread thighs, his hands teasing my curves. Our kiss broke with a gasp when I arched into the pleasurable feeling. “Edward... oh. This feels so much better than I imagined, having you above me.”
He pressed his body a tad bit deeper against mine while lavishing my neck with nibbles and licks, letting me know he understood. My arms went around his back in response. It wasn't long before we were both lost to anything outside of the two of us, and how incredible it felt to finally be together with no inhibitions.
We ended up making love on and off throughout the night, then into the early morning, with neither of us able to stand any space between our bodies. We would be catching our breath between rounds, when one of us would move just so or touch the other just right, which would lead to us making love all over again.
I couldn't seem to get enough of my mate. Sensing my feelings, Edward eagerly met me with passion and longing each time. It was a cycle neither of us deemed to put a halt to anytime soon, as we had both ached for this intimacy for too long.
When I finally fell breathlessly to the sheets just after dawn, limbs still entwined with my Edward's, he panted out a chuckle as he brushed the sticky hair away from my face. He had the most brilliant smile on his face, causing me to giggle as I brushed my thumb along his lips. He hummed, kissed my thumb, then asked in a slightly breathless tone, “Are you sated finally, my sexy little angel?”
I hummed, stretched like a cat, then offered while kissing his neck, “Mmhmm... for now. I can't imagine how long it will last, though. You seem to bring out the sex fiend in me, Mr. Cullen.”
He laughed, the sweetest sound to my ears, then smirked, “Well, I'll just have to make sure I keep you well and truly satisfied, no matter how often we need to make love to accomplish it. I can't fathom that particular task ever becoming a burden, Love, especially when you do that thing with your wings. Mmm, that was...”
There was a knock on the door, letting us know Dad was there. Edward quickly whispered that we'd have to finish that conversation later, before telling Charlie that we were both covered. He waited a few long seconds before tentatively peeking his head through the door.
When he saw us both covered and smiling as Edward held me close, Dad entered with a coffee cup in hand. “Morning. I waited until I thought you'd stayed calm long enough. I'm not interrupting, am I?”
I shook my head, “No, Dad. We were just talking. It's safe. Did you sleep well?”
He nodded, then blushed slightly while offering, “Yeah... it doesn't look like you've slept yet, though.”
Edward chuckled, then offered in my place, since I blushed wildly at Charlie knowing what we were up to all night, “Not yet. Her instincts are quite strong when they want something. They transfer to me through our bond, and it's futile trying to deny her, when my own feelings match hers.”
Charlie laughed at that, then handed me the cup of coffee, which he made just how I like it. “That's partly because of the two of you not having that connection all this time, I think. You two will find a balance eventually. Bells, you really need the rest though, because you won't fully recuperate from the birth of your angel until you sleep.”
I nodded before taking a sip of the steaming coffee, then said, “I promise I'll sleep soon, but I'm starving and really want a shower, so those two needs are being taken care of first.”
Edward agreed as he kissed my shoulder, then Charlie nodded before excusing himself from the room.
Edward and I took a calming shower together. When we returned to the room, clothes were laid out for both of us. He smiled, “Everyone's back. Apparently, Alice saw us being content for a while, and told Esme now was their chance, since she was worrying again. She wants to make sure we're both well, after how trying the last couple of days has been for us. The rest, of course, had to come along. Esme has your breakfast almost ready, and Carlisle brought freshly-bottled mountain lion for me.”
He chuckled at that as we both started to dress.
Oddly enough, I could scent the females in the house before Edward even opened up the bedroom door. A low growl forced its way up my throat, my instincts telling me to keep my mate close. Edward hummed as he wrapped his arms around me. He nuzzled my neck, then lifted my chin so I would look into his eyes. “It’s actually a relief that you feel territorial where I'm concerned, my little angel, especially with how territorial I have felt with you all this time. Listen to me, though... take in the more subtle undertones of each scent closely. Think around the fact that they are female.”
He brought his lips millimeters from mine, washing my face in his scent, then nipped my bottom lip between his teeth while fluttering his fingers along my wing marks. My eyes rolled back in my head before I moaned, “Right, scents... have to think...”
I let out a shuddered breath as I tried to gain my bearings, then slowly inhaled through my nose. A growl built in my chest as I sensed the females again, but Edward's arms around me had me calming enough to think rationally.
I drew in another long breath, noticing several things I hadn't before while tasting the air. Though they were female, there were heavy undertones of male scents that I recognized... Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett. “Females... mated scent... not temporary, but permanent. Soul mates, not partners.”
Edward smiled softly at me, cupping my cheek as he confirmed, “Yes, my lamb, soul mates. They are mated, and not at all interested in me romantically. They are not a threat to us. I know it's hard to make yourself understand that part right now, but they truly will not challenge you.”
I melted as my Edward resumed fluttering his fingers between my shoulder blades, the low growl in my chest slowly turning to a steady purr at the sensation. He kissed me tenderly, his own purr rising in his throat to harmonize with mine.
When the kiss ended naturally, he asked in a whisper, “Better, Love?” I nodded, feeling a bit better, then took his hand before squaring my shoulders and opening the bedroom door.