Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFADS Epilogue on FFn

FFADS Epilogue on AO3

FFADS Epilogue on fanfiction.online

FFADS Epilogue on Stars

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Six Months Later …

“Here are the keys, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen,” said the closing agent with a grin. “Congratulations and I hope you enjoy your new home.”

“Thank you,” Bella said, threading her fingers with mine. I kissed her temple, eager to take her to our new home in the Gold Coast and christen every flat surface. “Shall we go home, Mr. Cullen?”

“I think we should, Mrs. Cullen,” I grinned.

We left the closing office, driving to the house we’d found that was going to be our forever. It was larger than Bella anticipated, but she loved the mix of modern and traditional. It was also near Katie’s school and my parents’ home, as well. Katie was with my parents while Bella and I were dealing with finalizing the purchase of our new home.

Our old home was being sold to David and Shaw. They hated their apartment, jumping at the chance to have something permanent. So, boxes filled the brownstone as we packed up our lives, preparing for our new beginning.

“Grinch, the car usually works better when you turn it on,” Bella teased.

“Sorry, angel,” I laughed, starting my Tesla. “Just thinking about the last few months.”

“It’s been pretty intense,” Bella smiled as I backed out of the parking spot. “But, in a good way.”

“I’m still shocked that Rose and Emmett came back married from their Bahaman vacation,” I breathed.

“I think it’s perfectly them,” Bella shrugged. “They’re happy.”

“They are,” I grinned. “I’m glad that they worked things out.”

“Everything worked out, in the end,” Bella said. “For everyone.”

In addition Emmett and Rose getting married, there had been a number of changes at MAC. Bella had been promoted to a team leader by Rose and her human resources team, taking David as her senior executive. She hated leaving Alice’s team, but she was too talented to not have her own team. Alice was also bummed to lose Bella and David, but had two rock stars who had interned at the company. Jasper was her senior executive and the two new hires took over as a graphic designer and junior executive.

Besides, Bella’s prowess was giving her notoriety within the advertising circles. She’d been nominated and had won two more Clios, for the York Towne Clothing campaign and New Moon Cosmetics. She worked with both of those clients, bringing them to her team when she’d gotten her own, along with another beauty brand, some hair care company that made specialized shampoos and conditioners specifically for hair-care needs. The formula was completely customizable.

“Wow,” Bella breathed as I pulled into the driveway. “I can’t believe that this all ours.”

“I know,” I whispered. I put the car into park. I jogged around to Bella’s side of the car, helping her out. I threaded my fingers with hers, walking up the stairs and handing her the keys. “Open the door, angel.” She smiled widely, unlocking the door and pushing it open. I swept her into my arms and carried her across the threshold.

“Edward, seriously?” she giggled, putting her arms around my neck.

“I’m carrying my wife over the threshold,” I quipped.

“We’re not married yet,” she said as I walked her into the kitchen and putting her onto the island.

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFADS Chapter 35 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 35 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 35 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 35 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 35 on Wattpad

Alice and I were wandering around Whole Foods, in search of ingredients for Christmas Eve dinner, which was being held at my house in a matter of two days. I was woefully unprepared, panicking at the prospect of my team and Emmett’s team coming over. Alice wanted to make a traditional family recipe for some fish salad. We were following Alice’s traditions and she was raised Catholic, like me. But, her mom was Italian and they served seven fishes on Christmas Eve.

“Do you know how to make squid?” Alice asked, reading from an email she’d gotten from her mom.

“Ewww, Alice. No,” I groaned. “Squid tastes like rubber bands and eating it without all the breading … that’s sacrilege,” I shuddered. “Nope. Nope. Nope. I’m drawing a line at squid.”

“But, that makes seven,” she pouted, thrusting her phone in my face. “It goes in the fish salad.”

I read the recipe, wrinkling my nose. “If we omit the calamari from the salad, we could replace it with linguine and clam sauce. I think I have a recipe from my grandmother on my dad’s side, who was also Italian. It’s really good … filled with a lot of butter and numminess. Served over linguine with some crusty bread? That sounds much better than mini octupuses. Octupi?”

“Okay,” she said. “I admit, the squid are disgusting. It was tradition, but I avoided them like the plague.”

“So, why were you pushing the squid?” I quipped, tossing in some lettuce, cucumbers and red onions into the cart. “What do you need for the fish salad? It’s not just fish, right? I only looked at the recipe to see that, in fact, it had squid in it.”

“Here,” she said. “How about we divide and conquer? I know we need to wrap presents for our significant others. Edward is over at my place with Jasper and the rest of the guys, invading my gift bag stash. Where’s your sister?”

“She’s spending time with Edward’s parents. They’re hanging out at the Christkindlmarket,” I chuckled. “Edward and I wanted to bring Katie there, but we never had the time. With his leave due to his car accident and trying to make up for all that lost time, along with my responsibilities at MAC, we haven’t had a chance. Hell, it was a miracle to get the decorations up this year.”

“Let me call Rose and David, see if they want to come over for some holiday cheer at your place, yeah?” Alice chirped. “We can wrap presents, eat some cookies, drink some nog and watch White Christmas.”

“Call your sister, too,” I grinned. “I’ll get the veggies and stuff for the fish salad. If you could get the fish?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Alice nodded, darting off to the meat department. I picked up the vegetables for the fish salad. I also picked up the ingredients for the clam sauce along with several bottles of wine, an expensive bottle of scotch for Carlisle and some items for Katie’s Christmas stocking.

Alice met me at the registers. “I’m going to have to take out a second mortgage to pay for all this fish,” she snickered, loading it onto the conveyor belt.

“But, it’s going to taste so good,” I smirked. “Tonight, we’ll have fun and tomorrow, you’re coming over to make this fish salad. Apparently, it needs to marinate or steep or whatever.”

“I also need to figure out how to cook crab legs,” Alice retorted, wrinkling her nose. “You’ll help me, right?”

“And by help, you mean do, right?” I teased as she swiped her credit card for the fish.

“Damn straight, bitch,” Alice grinned. “You’ve seen me cook.”

“No, no, I haven’t. I’ve seen you order a lot of takeout,” I quipped.

“Exactly,” she nodded.

     

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFADS Chapter 34 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 34 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 34 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 34 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 34 on Wattpad

“What are you doing?” Katie asked. Since I was still off for a couple more weeks, I’d volunteered to pick up Katie at school. She had taken off her uniform and was helping me make dinner. Or rather, I’d started dinner and I was trying to find a birthday present for Bella. I knew that last year, Bella ignored her birthday. This year, I wanted to celebrate her birth. “Edward?”

“Sorry, Little One,” I chuckled, blinking up at her. “I’m trying to find a birthday present for Bella. Her birthday is coming up.” Katie frowned, tears welling in her blue eyes. “What is it, Katie?”

“Last year, I forgot Bella’s birthday. We had just moved here and were sad because of Mommy and Daddy,” she muttered. “She gave me a special day for my birthday and I ignored her. She must hate me.”

“Katie, Bella does not hate you,” I said, picking her up and putting on the counter. “Katie, losing your parents, it changes you. Bella was more focused on making sure that you were happy, healthy. She didn’t really care about her birthday because her thoughts were on you.”

“But, everyone deserves a special day,” Katie muttered, gripping my shirt. “Bella didn’t. Not last year. I want to make it up to her.”

“You do, Little One, with each smile and each moment that you’re happy,” I said, wiping her tears away. “She adores you and would do anything for you.”

“I want to do anything for her,” Katie replied, sliding her arms around my neck. I picked her up, carrying her to the living room and sitting down. I gently ran my hand up and down her back as she cried. She must have dozed off because her cries quieted. I looked down at her. Her face was flushed and there were tear stains on her cheeks. I kissed her forehead, holding her in my arms.

As Katie snoozed, I let my mind wander. I wanted this. I wanted this forever. I wanted to come home with my girls, sharing my future with them. I’d been denied a happily ever after and this was my dream. I knew I wanted to marry Bella. However, we were not ready for that step. We were still healing from what happened on my birthday.

Which was officially cancelled.

From here on out, my birthday would be on April 17^th. June 20^th held too many negative memories, from the death of my birth parents to the catastrophe that happened a few months ago.

“Forever,” I whispered, smiling as I realized what I could get Bella for her birthday. I picked up Katie, tucking a blanket around her on the couch before I went back to my computer. I typed in what I was looking for, grinning widely when I reserved it at jeweler. “Forever may not be long enough, but it’ll have to do.” Rubbing my hands, I made plans for Bella’s birthday. It would be a two-pronged approach. One part will include Katie and the other will be just Bella and me.

I missed her.

I missed the intimacy, the physical intimacy, we’d had prior to the car accident.

I was feeling no pain when I did daily activities. My strength was returning, along with my stamina. I was also cleared for sexual activities. At least, that’s what the doctor said. Granted, it couldn’t be marathon love-making sessions like we’d had in February, but we could try. Even if I couldn’t make love to her in the traditional sense, I would love to be able to show her how much loved her.

That’s if Bella wasn’t disgusted by the new scars I had on my body. I had a smaller scar in between a couple of my ribs from where I had the chest tube. My left hip had an eight-inch long scar from where I had the joint replaced. I also had another scar along my left thigh. At least, the scars were done surgically and not ragged like the rest of the damage to my skin.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 “What are you doing?” Katie asked. Since I was still off for a couple more weeks, I’d volunteered to pick up Katie at school. She had taken off her uniform and was helping me make dinner. Or rather, I’d started dinner and I was trying to find a birthday present for Bella. I knew that last year, Bella ignored her birthday. This year, I wanted to celebrate her birth. “Edward?”

“Sorry, Little One,” I chuckled, blinking up at her. “I’m trying to find a birthday present for Bella. Her birthday is coming up.” Katie frowned, tears welling in her blue eyes. “What is it, Katie?”

“Last year, I forgot Bella’s birthday. We had just moved here and were sad because of Mommy and Daddy,” she muttered. “She gave me a special day for my birthday and I ignored her. She must hate me.”

“Katie, Bella does not hate you,” I said, picking her up and putting on the counter. “Katie, losing your parents, it changes you. Bella was more focused on making sure that you were happy, healthy. She didn’t really care about her birthday because her thoughts were on you.”

“But, everyone deserves a special day,” Katie muttered, gripping my shirt. “Bella didn’t. Not last year. I want to make it up to her.”

“You do, Little One, with each smile and each moment that you’re happy,” I said, wiping her tears away. “She adores you and would do anything for you.”

“I want to do anything for her,” Katie replied, sliding her arms around my neck. I picked her up, carrying her to the living room and sitting down. I gently ran my hand up and down her back as she cried. She must have dozed off because her cries quieted. I looked down at her. Her face was flushed and there were tear stains on her cheeks. I kissed her forehead, holding her in my arms.

As Katie snoozed, I let my mind wander. I wanted this. I wanted this forever. I wanted to come home with my girls, sharing my future with them. I’d been denied a happily ever after and this was my dream. I knew I wanted to marry Bella. However, we were not ready for that step. We were still healing from what happened on my birthday.

Which was officially cancelled.

From here on out, my birthday would be on April 17^th. June 20^th held too many negative memories, from the death of my birth parents to the catastrophe that happened a few months ago.

“Forever,” I whispered, smiling as I realized what I could get Bella for her birthday. I picked up Katie, tucking a blanket around her on the couch before I went back to my computer. I typed in what I was looking for, grinning widely when I reserved it at jeweler. “Forever may not be long enough, but it’ll have to do.” Rubbing my hands, I made plans for Bella’s birthday. It would be a two-pronged approach. One part will include Katie and the other will be just Bella and me.

I missed her.

I missed the intimacy, the physical intimacy, we’d had prior to the car accident.

I was feeling no pain when I did daily activities. My strength was returning, along with my stamina. I was also cleared for sexual activities. At least, that’s what the doctor said. Granted, it couldn’t be marathon love-making sessions like we’d had in February, but we could try. Even if I couldn’t make love to her in the traditional sense, I would love to be able to show her how much loved her.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFADS Chapter 33 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 33 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 33 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 33 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 33 on Wattpad

Sitting in the waiting room of my psychiatrist, I was growing more frustrated. I liked the doctor who I was seeing, but he was never on time. I’d usually wait, at least, a half hour to see him. I learned that the hard way when I tried to schedule an appointment during my lunch. I ended up missing the entire afternoon, along with a meeting with Jane and Eric of York Towne Clothing.

Suffice it to say, I moved my appointments to the end of the day or on the weekend. Today, it was the former. I’d bugged out of the office a half hour early to make it to my appointment on time, only to wait. I only dealt with this because I’d felt a connection with the doctor, Dr. Daniel Spencer.

He reminded me a lot of Phil.

The door opened and my doctor poked his head out. “Come on in, Bella,” he said, giving me a slight grimace. “I’m sorry about the delay.”

“If I didn’t like you so much, it would be a problem, Dr. Spencer,” I chided, following him to his office. “I also understand why you are behind schedule. You actually care about your patients.”

“I do care about my patients, very much. Please, have a seat. Do you want some water? Coffee?” he asked.

“Water would be nice. It’s too late for coffee. If I drink coffee now, I’ll never be able to sleep tonight,” I snickered, sitting down and crossing my legs.

“I’ve got another four hours. I desperately need the coffee,” he quipped, ducking out of the office. A few moments later, he came back into the office, handing me a bottle of water and putting his coffee on the side table next to his chair. “How are you doing today, Bella?”

“I’m alright, I guess,” I shrugged, sipping my water. “Focusing on work and rebuilding my relationship with Edward.”

“How did the belated birthday celebration go?” Dr. Spencer asked.

“He was completely surprised and we both enjoyed our time together,” I smiled. “I’m still feeling like it’s my fault that he was in that car accident and I know he blames himself for what happened on the night of his birthday. We’re both trying to come to grips with what happened, but we’re dealing with our guilt.”

“Bella, we’ve talked about this. It was not your fault that he was in that accident. Nor was it his fault for his upbringing that caused his inherent distrust,” Dr. Spencer chided.

“My mind gets it, but my heart is taking its sweet time to play catch up,” I snorted humorlessly. “I just wish I could move past this guilt, and fear.”

“Have you tried driving?” Dr. Spencer asked.

“Every time I try, I end up having to take an anxiety pill,” I choked out. “I can’t stop seeing those gouges in the mud and the damage to the trees. I see Edward in that hospital room, a sickly shade of gray and with tubes coming out of him, every which way. He’s got some serious injuries to his ribcage because of those animals who beat the shit out of him as a kid. It was exacerbated by the car accident. He wouldn’t have been in that car accident if I’d only spoken with him that afternoon. I was the one who told him to come back later. I forced him back, driving in a deluge …”

“Bella, sweetheart,” Dr. Spencer murmured, crouching in front of me. “Focus on me. Focus on the here and now.” I closed my eyes, feeling tears coming down my cheeks as Dr. Spencer, squeezed my hands. “Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. That’s a good girl.”

I listened to Dr. Spencer as he talked me through my panic attack. His deep, resonant voice kept me rooted in the office, but my mind was spiraling around Edward, my parents, Katie and my irrational fears. I blinked a few times, finally seeing Dr. Spencer’s dark brown eyes swirling with concern. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Never apologize, Bella. What happens in this room, stays in this room,” Dr. Spencer said quietly, handing me my water. He sat down on the cocktail table as I continued to calm down. “Better?”

“Slightly,” I sighed. “Tiny victories. I didn’t have to take a pill.”

“That is good,” he smiled. “Now, all we need to do is get you able to get behind the wheel again.”

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFADS Chapter 32 on FFn

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FFADS Chapter 32 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 32 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 32 on Wattpad

“Bella!” I yelled as she slumped onto the floor. Her face was devoid of all color and she was panting so quickly. I hit the call button. Rhonda ran inside and pointed to the ground. “She had a panic attack.”

Rhonda’s eyes widened and she jumped into action. She straightened Bella and placed an oxygen mask over her face. “Has she had a history of panic attacks?” Rhonda asked.

“No, but things have been a bit extraordinary lately,” I mumbled. It was my fault, really.

Rhonda stayed by Bella’s side and I saw Bella move, trying to remove the oxygen mask. “Calm down, Bella. You had a panic attack,” Rhonda said calmly. “Take deep breaths. Slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

I wanted to be by her side, but the mountain of plaster on my leg prevented me from doing so, along with my injuries to my hip and ribcage. I nervously twisted my hospital bracelet as Rhonda quietly helped Bella and got her back onto the chair. “Keep that oxygen on and focus on your breathing. I’m going to get you something to eat. You’re far too skinny,” Rhonda chided. “Your blood sugar probably bottomed out along with your panic attack.”

Rhonda scurried away and Bella closed her eyes. I looked at her, seeing how much she’d changed since I’d last seen her. “Bella, I’m so sorry,” I whispered.

“It’s not entirely your fault, Edward,” she said, removing the mask. “It was a perfect storm of bullshit. Normally, I could handle it, but it’s been a lot.”

“You shouldn’t have to handle it,” I sighed. “Keep the mask on, angel. Please?”

Her eyes fluttered closed and tears fell. She put the mask back on. “All I wanted was for you to talk to me, that night, now, and in the future. I had support from Alice, my old boss, Linda and Emmett, but the one person I wanted to make it all better hurt me so very deeply.”

I blew out a breath, trying to not cry. “Bella, angel, please come by me. I want to help you,” I whispered, moving so she could lay down on the bed with me.

She looked up at me, her eyes brimmed with tears and she looked so torn. With a huff, she got up and sat down on the edge of the bed. I took her hand, gently tugging on it and she lay down. Her tears soaked my hospital gown and she gripped it so tightly. I held her as close as I could. Every inch of my body was on fire with pain, but it didn’t matter because I was holding my Bella.

Her cries eventually quieted. I looked down at her, seeing that she was down for the count. Rhonda walked back in, carrying a tray. “Apparently, you’re better than Xanax,” she quipped.

“It’s my fault,” I frowned, turning to kiss her forehead.

“Edward, if it were your fault, she wouldn’t be curled up in your arms,” Rhonda smirked. “Though, that’s not good for your injuries.”

“Don’t move her,” I whispered. “I think that this is the first time she’s relaxed in almost two weeks.”

“I’ll give her an hour. That’s when I’m off shift. The woman who will relieve me … she’s a bitch and will throw her out for being in your bed,” Rhonda explained, smiling at me. “When she wakes up, encourage her to eat.”

I nodded, pressing my lips to Bella’s forehead. As she slept, I took a closer look at her. She said I looked awful, but when in reality, she looked like a ghost. Her skin was almost translucent and the stitches under eyebrow were a stark contrast to her pale skin.

Even though I was hurting, it felt like heaven having her back in my arms. I just reveled being able to hold her.

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 28 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 28 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 28 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 28 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 28 on Wattpad

I could barely keep my eyes off Bella. She was laughing and sitting on the beach, looking like an absolute goddess. Her skin practically glowed in the ethereal flickering of the flames inside the fire pit. “Dude, you’re drooling over your girl,” Jasper teased.

“It’s been a long couple of weeks and we haven’t had much alone time,” I answered honestly. “Plus, the situation with …” I nodded toward James. He was laughing with Riley, Paul and Jared.

“I don’t trust him,” Jasper shrugged. “Bella did say that he’s been a consummate professional with this joint venture with that clothing line.”

“I don’t either, but we have to follow everything by the book, Jasper,” I said quietly. “He’s on probation and one more mistake, he’s out. However, she told me the same. She doesn’t like him, but she respects him as a businessman. That’s what makes this whole situation difficult. It’s the revenue we’re earning from Emmett’s team that is allowing the company the flexibility to have a four-day work week this summer.”

“Talk about a rock and a hard place,” Jasper mumbled.

“Exactly,” I sighed. I checked my watch. “I’m going to pay the bill and have the owner close up the bar.”

“This was a great barbecue. We should make it a tradition,” he said.

“Then, it’s good that I already reserved this place for next year, hmmm?” I laughed, dusting off my shorts. Jasper held up his beer with a lazy grin and I walked into the restaurant. Waving down the owner, I looked at the final bill. I used my corporate card to pay for the food and my personal card to pay for the alcohol. Signing the slips, I pocketed the receipts and walked back out to the beach. Almost everyone was gone or getting ready to leave. I found Bella talking to Alice and Rosalie. “You okay, angel?”

“I’m a little drunk and a lot horny,” she giggled.

“Are we good here?” Rose asked, smiling indulgently at my drunk girlfriend.

“I just paid the bill,” I answered.

“You go, Edward,” Rose said. “Emmett, Alice, Jasper and I can clean this up.”

“And, we’ll grab the leftovers,” Alice added.

I arched a brow at them, but looked at Bella who was staring at me intently. “Thank you. Both of you,” I nodded, holding my hand out to Bella. She took it, sliding her arms around my neck. “Come on, angel … we have a date …”

“With our bed,” she said. I groaned, guiding us to my SUV and helping her into the front seat. I waved as I got into the driver’s seat, heading toward Bella’s brownstone. She was staring at me as I navigated my way through the streets of Chicago, parking on her street.

“You okay, Bella?” I asked, caressing her soft cheek. Her skin was slightly pink from the sun and warm under my fingers.

“I just love you,” she murmured, capturing my hand and kissing my palm.

“I love you, too, angel,” I breathed. “Come on. We’re back home.” Bella nodded lazily, not really making any indication that she was going to move. I leaned over, kissing her and I got out of the car. I helped her out of the passenger seat, locking the car and walking up the steps to her brownstone. Once inside, Bella walked to the couch. She threw off her dress, revealing her nearly naked body. It was off the shoulder and she did not wear a bra. Before she sat down, she kicked off her panties, lounging on the couch. One leg was propped up and the other was draped over the side. “You are a temptress, Bella.”

“I said it earlier, Grinch. It’s been too long,” she said, cupping her breasts and twisting her nipples. I watched her as she leaned back and one of her hands moved to pussy. She circled her erect clit with a seductive smirk on her face. “Are you going to take advantage of your naked, horny girlfriend offering herself up to you?”

“I’m enjoying the show,” I said, stripping out of my polo shirt.

    

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Ch. 27 on FFn

FFADS Ch. 27 on AO3

FFADS Ch. 27 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Ch. 27 on Stars

FFADS Ch. 27 on Wattpad

Ever since the situation with James, Edward had been … I don’t know. It was like he was punishing himself for hurting me. When he came over for the first time, his hands were so bruised and scratched up. Esme had told me that he had hurt himself, but the damage to his knuckles and hands was more than just hurting himself.

It broke my heart.

It did more than that … it shattered me. To see that he needed to punish himself in order to find some sort of penance.

Each time I tried to tell him that it wasn’t necessary, he insisted that it was either the tree that received his ire or James. Granted, I’m glad that he didn’t beat the shit out of James, but abhorred the fact that he beat the shit out of his own hands.

My poor Grinch.

We came to an understanding that night and we’d forgiven each other. However, I doubted that he forgave himself. Or, if he did, it would be some time before he felt redeemed.

“Bella? Can I wear my overalls today?” Katie chirped, hopping onto my unmade bed.

“Sure, Kit Kat,” I answered, giving her a smile.

“Can you also braid my hair?” she asked, bouncing on the mattress.

I checked the clock, nodding. “We should have enough time. Edward will be here in a half hour.”

“Kay,” she chirped. She bounded out of my room, singing happily.

I put on some sunscreen and finished putting on my makeup, tossing my hair into a low ponytail. I walked back into my bedroom, double checking my backpack. I had the obvious items inside like cell my phone, wallet and such. I also added a small first aid kit, a spare set of clothes for Katie in case she had an accident or some major food catastrophe, and a small bag that my mom called her emergency kidlet pack. It was filled with toys, markers, books and snacks. She always had it stuffed in her purse. I think she had one for me when I was a kid, but nowhere near as insane as the kidlet pack she assembled for Katie.

Then again, Katie couldn’t sit still to save her life. She always needed to be doing something or fussing on my phone. Me? I was content reading a book. Katie needed everything under the sun to keep her mind occupied.

Stuffing the kidlet pack in my bag, I went downstairs and packed lunches for Katie, Edward and me. I used another insulated bag that Edward would carry. As I was putting in the cold packs, Katie skipped down, holding her brush, a bottle of detangler and a couple of hair ties. She sat down at the kitchen counter, eating the breakfast I laid out for her. Spraying her hair with the detangler, I brushed her hair and quickly braided it into a single Dutch braid. I attached the hair tie to the end, adding a matching bow. “Too tight?”

“Nope. It feels good,” Katie answered, her mouth full of bagel. The doorbell rang and she wriggled on the stool. “Can I get that?”

“Yeah, Kit Kat,” I chuckled, watching her dart to the foyer. I shook my head, frowning slightly that Edward was not using his key. I listened to her prattle to him, dragging him into the kitchen before darting upstairs to grab her jacket and going to the bathroom. “Good morning, Edward.”

He grinned crookedly, leaning forward to kiss me. I slid my arms around his waist and snuggled in his embrace. “Sleep well, angel?” he asked. I nodded. “You ready for today?”

“As ready as I’m going to be,” I chuckled. “I’m just grateful that you’re coming with me. I did not want to be partnered with Senna. Tia and Katie are still friendly, but their play dates are few and far between because of what happened at Katie’s birthday.” I sighed, taking a sip of coffee. “I guess with friends like that, who needs enemies?”

“Good point, but I didn’t help much, either. I did give her grief,” he said. With a sigh, he stepped to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I chuckled as I saw him wrinkle his nose.

“What’s wrong, Edward?” I asked.

“I’m looking forward to the trip, but not riding on a school bus,” he replied grumpily.  

“Do you get motion sickness?” I asked, arching a brow at him.

“Not motion sickness. I’m too tall for the seats,” he quipped. “You know? I’m over six feet tall and those seats were built for people who are Katie-sized. There’s a reason I call her Little One. Though, it would work for you, too. You’re pretty tiny, too.”

“My mom was pretty petite,” I said, showing him a picture on my phone. “She was about my height, but with a few more curves. Obviously, since she had two children.”

“You look like her, but your coloring is not the same,” he murmured. “Her hair is more blonde, with darker skin.”

“I have my mother’s features but my dad’s coloring. He had dark hair, dark eyes,” I explained. “I’d have to search for a picture of Charlie. They’re buried in boxes in the garage. We should get going, though. We need to sign in at the office at Katie’s preschool.” He nodded, kissing me again. “Kit Kat! Let’s go. Shake your caboose!”

“Sorry, sorry, sorry,” Katie sang, running down the stairs with her jacket on.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 Ever since the situation with James, Edward had been … I don’t know. It was like he was punishing himself for hurting me. When he came over for the first time, his hands were so bruised and scratched up. Esme had told me that he had hurt himself, but the damage to his knuckles and hands was more than just hurting himself.

It broke my heart.

It did more than that … it shattered me. To see that he needed to punish himself in order to find some sort of penance.

Each time I tried to tell him that it wasn’t necessary, he insisted that it was either the tree that received his ire or James. Granted, I’m glad that he didn’t beat the shit out of James, but abhorred the fact that he beat the shit out of his own hands.

My poor Grinch.

We came to an understanding that night and we’d forgiven each other. However, I doubted that he forgave himself. Or, if he did, it would be some time before he felt redeemed.

“Bella? Can I wear my overalls today?” Katie chirped, hopping onto my unmade bed.

“Sure, Kit Kat,” I answered, giving her a smile.

“Can you also braid my hair?” she asked, bouncing on the mattress.

I checked the clock, nodding. “We should have enough time. Edward will be here in a half hour.”

“Kay,” she chirped. She bounded out of my room, singing happily.

I put on some sunscreen and finished putting on my makeup, tossing my hair into a low ponytail. I walked back into my bedroom, double checking my backpack. I had the obvious items inside like cell my phone, wallet and such. I also added a small first aid kit, a spare set of clothes for Katie in case she had an accident or some major food catastrophe, and a small bag that my mom called her emergency kidlet pack. It was filled with toys, markers, books and snacks. She always had it stuffed in her purse. I think she had one for me when I was a kid, but nowhere near as insane as the kidlet pack she assembled for Katie.

Then again, Katie couldn’t sit still to save her life. She always needed to be doing something or fussing on my phone. Me? I was content reading a book. Katie needed everything under the sun to keep her mind occupied.

Stuffing the kidlet pack in my bag, I went downstairs and packed lunches for Katie, Edward and me. I used another insulated bag that Edward would carry. As I was putting in the cold packs, Katie skipped down, holding her brush, a bottle of detangler and a couple of hair ties. She sat down at the kitchen counter, eating the breakfast I laid out for her. Spraying her hair with the detangler, I brushed her hair and quickly braided it into a single Dutch braid. I attached the hair tie to the end, adding a matching bow. “Too tight?”

“Nope. It feels good,” Katie answered, her mouth full of bagel. The doorbell rang and she wriggled on the stool. “Can I get that?”

“Yeah, Kit Kat,” I chuckled, watching her dart to the foyer. I shook my head, frowning slightly that Edward was not using his key. I listened to her prattle to him, dragging him into the kitchen before darting upstairs to grab her jacket and going to the bathroom. “Good morning, Edward.”

He grinned crookedly, leaning forward to kiss me. I slid my arms around his waist and snuggled in his embrace. “Sleep well, angel?” he asked. I nodded. “You ready for today?”

“As ready as I’m going to be,” I chuckled. “I’m just grateful that you’re coming with me. I did not want to be partnered with Senna. Tia and Katie are still friendly, but their play dates are few and far between because of what happened at Katie’s birthday.” I sighed, taking a sip of coffee. “I guess with friends like that, who needs enemies?”

“Good point, but I didn’t help much, either. I did give her grief,” he said. With a sigh, he stepped to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I chuckled as I saw him wrinkle his nose.

“What’s wrong, Edward?” I asked.

“I’m looking forward to the trip, but not riding on a school bus,” he replied grumpily.  

“Do you get motion sickness?” I asked, arching a brow at him.

“Not motion sickness. I’m too tall for the seats,” he quipped. “You know? I’m over six feet tall and those seats were built for people who are Katie-sized. There’s a reason I call her Little One. Though, it would work for you, too. You’re pretty tiny, too.”

“My mom was pretty petite,” I said, showing him a picture on my phone. “She was about my height, but with a few more curves. Obviously, since she had two children.”

“You look like her, but your coloring is not the same,” he murmured. “Her hair is more blonde, with darker skin.”

“I have my mother’s features but my dad’s coloring. He had dark hair, dark eyes,” I explained. “I’d have to search for a picture of Charlie. They’re buried in boxes in the garage. We should get going, though. We need to sign in at the office at Katie’s preschool.” He nodded, kissing me again. “Kit Kat! Let’s go. Shake your caboose!”

“Sorry, sorry, sorry,” Katie sang, running down the stairs with her jacket on.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 25 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 25 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 25 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 25 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 25 on Wattpad

As soon as Edward left, I felt lost. I really wanted him to spend the night with me. I’d gotten so used to waking up, curled in his arms.

“Bella, I have something that you need to sign,” Katie said, skipping to me and handing me a form. “We’re going to the Field Museum. Can you be a … what’s the word?”

“A chaperone,” I supplied, reading the information on the paper. “While I read this, go upstairs and get ready for bed, Kit Kat. We have to leave early because the roads are still bad from the snow storm.”

“Kay,” she nodded, running up the stairs like a herd of elephants.

I read the form. It would be an all-day affair, combining with the afternoon class. I signed the permission form and said that I’d chaperone. I marked down the date for the trip on my calendar and put the form into Katie’s backpack before going upstairs with my bag. I put it in my room before walking to Katie’s bedroom. She was snuggled in her bed, idly turning the pages of a new book. “What’s that, Kit Kat?”

“A book from Nana Esme,” she answered. “We went to a new bookstore and we got a bunch of books. Can you read this to me, Bella?”

“Sure, Kit Kat,” I smiled. She curled up next to me, holding the stuffed dog that Edward had given her when she was sick. I kissed her forehead, reading the story to my sister. I was barely through the book when I heard her soft snores. I hugged her for a few moments before getting up and tucking her into her bed.

Leaving the nightlight on, I walked to my bedroom and sighed deeply. I unpacked my clothes and tossed them into the hamper. I sat down on the bed, holding a shirt that I pilfered from Edward. I inhaled deeply, smelling his cologne. “I’m sleeping in this,” I muttered to myself.

I carried the shirt and a fresh pair of panties into my bathroom. I stripped out of my clothes, feeling the discomfort from a lot of sex. After a momentary debate, I decided to take a bath to relax my muscles and soothe my barking girly bits. When I was done with my bath, I took a quick shower to wash my hair.

I finished my night time rituals, padding back to my bedroom. Climbing into bed, I picked up my cell phone. I had a picture text message from Edward. He was sitting on his bed, scowling at Sam. My bed mate is now furry and smells like dog treats. He’s in desperate need of bath. I’d rather have you … someone soft and smelling like strawberries and vanilla. I love you, angel.

I dialed him, setting back into my pillows. “Should I be jealous of Sam?” I quipped.

“Pssh, no,” he grumped. “I just wish I could have stayed, angel.”

“I understand why you couldn’t,” I said. “I did steal your dress shirt from that night when we made love the first time. I can still smell your cologne. It makes me feel closer to you, even then you’re cuddled up with a four-legged fur child. I suppose I can share you with Sam. Now, despite being in separate beds, are you happy that you’re home?”

“I am,” he answered. “The bed in the hotel was nice, but being in your own bed? It’s heavenly. If only I could have a day to recuperate from traveling.”

“You are the boss,” I giggled. “You could take the day.”

“Tempting, angel. But, with the snow storm and the extended stay in New York, I have a lot of work to do. Several meetings that had to be rescheduled and a shit ton of emails to catch up on. I could have done it on Tuesday and this morning, but my attention was on something far more enticing than work.”

“I don’t even want to look at my inbox,” I groaned. “I did some work on Tuesday, but I avoided opening my email.” I yawned and stretched my body. “I’m more tired than I expected.”

“I’ll let you go, angel. I wanted you to send you a message before I crashed,” he said. “I love you, Bella.”

“I love you, too, Edward. I’ll see you tomorrow?” I asked.

“Definitely, angel,” he cooed. “Sleep well.”

Hanging up the phone, I set my alarm and curled around my pillow. Within moments, I was down for the count and my dreams replayed the most wonderful weekend I’d experienced in my entire life.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 As soon as Edward left, I felt lost. I really wanted him to spend the night with me. I’d gotten so used to waking up, curled in his arms.

“Bella, I have something that you need to sign,” Katie said, skipping to me and handing me a form. “We’re going to the Field Museum. Can you be a … what’s the word?”

“A chaperone,” I supplied, reading the information on the paper. “While I read this, go upstairs and get ready for bed, Kit Kat. We have to leave early because the roads are still bad from the snow storm.”

“Kay,” she nodded, running up the stairs like a herd of elephants.

I read the form. It would be an all-day affair, combining with the afternoon class. I signed the permission form and said that I’d chaperone. I marked down the date for the trip on my calendar and put the form into Katie’s backpack before going upstairs with my bag. I put it in my room before walking to Katie’s bedroom. She was snuggled in her bed, idly turning the pages of a new book. “What’s that, Kit Kat?”

“A book from Nana Esme,” she answered. “We went to a new bookstore and we got a bunch of books. Can you read this to me, Bella?”

“Sure, Kit Kat,” I smiled. She curled up next to me, holding the stuffed dog that Edward had given her when she was sick. I kissed her forehead, reading the story to my sister. I was barely through the book when I heard her soft snores. I hugged her for a few moments before getting up and tucking her into her bed.

Leaving the nightlight on, I walked to my bedroom and sighed deeply. I unpacked my clothes and tossed them into the hamper. I sat down on the bed, holding a shirt that I pilfered from Edward. I inhaled deeply, smelling his cologne. “I’m sleeping in this,” I muttered to myself.

I carried the shirt and a fresh pair of panties into my bathroom. I stripped out of my clothes, feeling the discomfort from a lot of sex. After a momentary debate, I decided to take a bath to relax my muscles and soothe my barking girly bits. When I was done with my bath, I took a quick shower to wash my hair.

I finished my night time rituals, padding back to my bedroom. Climbing into bed, I picked up my cell phone. I had a picture text message from Edward. He was sitting on his bed, scowling at Sam. My bed mate is now furry and smells like dog treats. He’s in desperate need of bath. I’d rather have you … someone soft and smelling like strawberries and vanilla. I love you, angel.

I dialed him, setting back into my pillows. “Should I be jealous of Sam?” I quipped.

“Pssh, no,” he grumped. “I just wish I could have stayed, angel.”

“I understand why you couldn’t,” I said. “I did steal your dress shirt from that night when we made love the first time. I can still smell your cologne. It makes me feel closer to you, even then you’re cuddled up with a four-legged fur child. I suppose I can share you with Sam. Now, despite being in separate beds, are you happy that you’re home?”

“I am,” he answered. “The bed in the hotel was nice, but being in your own bed? It’s heavenly. If only I could have a day to recuperate from traveling.”

“You are the boss,” I giggled. “You could take the day.”

“Tempting, angel. But, with the snow storm and the extended stay in New York, I have a lot of work to do. Several meetings that had to be rescheduled and a shit ton of emails to catch up on. I could have done it on Tuesday and this morning, but my attention was on something far more enticing than work.”

“I don’t even want to look at my inbox,” I groaned. “I did some work on Tuesday, but I avoided opening my email.” I yawned and stretched my body. “I’m more tired than I expected.”

“I’ll let you go, angel. I wanted you to send you a message before I crashed,” he said. “I love you, Bella.”

“I love you, too, Edward. I’ll see you tomorrow?” I asked.

“Definitely, angel,” he cooed. “Sleep well.”

Hanging up the phone, I set my alarm and curled around my pillow. Within moments, I was down for the count and my dreams replayed the most wonderful weekend I’d experienced in my entire life.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

I made the decision to not post this update on Wednesday, in light of what was happening in Washington D.C. I wasn't in the right mindset, nor did I feel it was appropriate. So, because of this change, updates will be on Saturdays, with teasers on Wednesdays. 

FFADS Chapter 20 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 20 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 20 on Fanfiction.Online

FFADS Chapter 20 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 20 on Wattpad

By four in the afternoon, Katie’s party was over. The goodie bags had been distributed and the party planner was kind enough to give us a cart for her mountain of presents. My father and I were loading up the gifts into the back of my car. “I’m impressed that Bella pulled this off so quickly,” Dad said.

“She had some help,” I replied, trying to balance the gifts in the trunk. “One of her neighbors, Senna, gave her this suggestion.” I wrinkled my nose at my mention of Senna. She saw me and she scowled in my direction.

“You don’t like Senna?”

“She doesn’t like me, but it’s justified. I was an asshole to her,” I frowned. “She talked smack about me to Bella and …”

“Edward, you’ve changed. Anyone, even a blind man, can see how much you’ve changed,” Dad breathed.

“Regardless, I don’t care much about Senna,” I shrugged. “As long as she doesn’t continue to give me shit and all. Keeping me at arm’s length is probably best.”

“What did you do that she sees you as an asshole?”

“It had something to do with Sam. Her daughter went to pet Sam, but without asking. Sam is a good dog, but if he wasn’t trained … he could have snapped. So, I snapped at Senna and at her daughter,” I huffed. “Anyone with a brain knows this. Senna went off on me and I yelled right back. You and I both know that if Sam had tried to bite the little girl? She’d demand that he be put down.”

“She sounds like an entitled bitch,” Dad snorted humorlessly. “Did you ever see a video of some woman going off on another woman who wouldn’t let her pet her service animal? The one lady said she was going to call her lawyer because it was against her civil rights. The woman with service animal just rolled her eyes and walked away. The first lady smacked the other one and suffice it to say, the woman with the dog kicked ass.”

“I would never hit a woman, but we exchanged words,” I deadpanned.

“Edward, you would never intentionally hurt anyone. Despite your past, you are an inherently good man,” Dad breathed. “And, from what you described, Senna was wrong. Should you have approached it differently? Probably, but it doesn’t negate the fact that you were right.”

I closed the back of the SUV and saw the woman in question. She was walking with her daughter and husband. Her husband, Nahuel, was a cool guy. We’d ended up talking for some time about sports, football at Katie’s party. Jasper even invited him to come join us on our usual Sunday date to watch the Bears suck. He agreed. She glowered at me. She spoke with her husband and sashayed toward me.

“Do you want me to stay, Edward?” Dad asked.

I nodded, leaning against the cart.

“You have some balls coming to this party, Cullen,” she snapped. “I don’t know what you did to Bella, but you’re not a good guy. I’ve told her, numerous times, that you’re an opportunistic prick.”

“She probably also told you that you’re full of it, hmmmm?” I asked. “Look, you may never like me. That’s your choice, your prerogative.”

“You yelled at my kid!” she growled. “If you don’t want people talking to you, then you shouldn’t have your mangy dog with you!”

“If my mangy dog bit your kid, what would you have done then?” I hissed. She sneered at me. “Senna, you don’t have to like me but one interaction where I was trying to protect your daughter? That does not entitle you to talk to my girlfriend and say that I’m an asshole.”

“You are an asshole,” Senna argued.

“I beg to differ,” Dad snorted. “You’re the one throwing a hissy fit while he’s calmly talking to you. If anyone looks like an asshole, it’s you.”

“Sen, come on,” said Nahuel as walked over to us. Tia was in the car, watching from the backseat.

“No! I want an apology. Tia deserves an apology,” Senna yelled.

“I’m not going to let you continue to act like this,” Nahuel said, taking her hand. “You think that Edward was an asshole, but he isn’t. I happen to like him. So, let it go and you need to fucking apologize to him for all the bullshit you shared with Bella. She’s over it. The only reason why she continues to interact with us because Tia and Katie are close.”

“You’re on his side? You’re supposed to be on mine!” Senna screeched.

“Apologize, Sen,” Nahuel said calmly but angrily. His wife glared at him and stomped away. He pinched his nose before looking at me. “I’m so sorry, Edward. My wife can hold a grudge like no other.”

“Thank you for sticking up for me,” I shrugged. “You may want to go since Senna looks like she’s going to drive off without you.” Nahuel sighed, shaking my hand before running back to his car.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 19 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 19 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 19 on Fanfiction.Online

FFADS Chapter 19 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 19 on Wattpad

“Esme?” I called, walking into the kitchen. She hastily wiped her eyes, turning around and giving me a watery smile. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” she answered. I arched a brow, like how I did with Edward. “I can see why he loves you.”

“He hasn’t said it, but I understand why he’s hesitant,” I shrugged.

“My son had such a difficult life and he always kept everyone at arm’s length,” Esme muttered. “Even his father and me. Edward doesn’t trust easily, but he let you in.”

“He’s easy to love,” I murmured. “And those people who hurt him deserve to rot in hell.”

“Trust me, many of them are,” Esme replied darkly. “Edward lived in about twelve homes before he came into our custody. Out of the twelve foster families, nine of the parents were arrested for child solicitation, molestation and wrongful death.”

“Somebody died in their care?” I hissed.

“A little girl,” Esme growled, “In a home in Dwight. Anyway, they were put away for life. The district attorney wanted Edward’s testimony because he’d told his case workers, but they didn’t listen. He stopped telling them and took the abuse until …” She walked over to a cabinet and poured herself a glass of bourbon. “Want some?”

I nodded and sipped the drink. “You wouldn’t let Edward testify.”

“He was finally accepting that he was a part of our family. Carlisle asked him if he wanted to testify but my son told him that no one cared what he said years ago. Why would they care now?” Esme frowned. “I never, in my wildest dreams, imagine seeing Edward as comfortable as he is with you and your sister. He never smiled. When he did, it was forced.” She took a sip, leaning against the counter. “He’s brilliant, ambitious, funny but he never let down his walls. To see him today? It’s like he’s a whole new person. I’m crying because I’m happy that he has someone that loves him unconditionally.”

“When we first met, Edward and I did not get along,” I snorted. “Oil and water, really.”

“He told us about how he treated you and the guilt he felt afterward. If anything, you’d figure he’d be understanding since Katie is in a similar situation with losing her parents,” Esme shrugged. “But, she has you.”

“Unlike Edward,” I frowned. “I also think that’s why Katie and Edward are so close. They’re kindred spirits, really. They both lost their parents at a young age without the ability to understand why it happened or cope with that sense of loss.”

“You also lost your family,” Esme argued.

“But, I’m twenty-eight. I have the coping skills to work through it. Yes, I struggle with their absence. I have days where getting out of bed is a struggle,” I shrugged. “Therapy has helped. Katie and I go to a grief counselor. I got the name from the preschool I enrolled Katie in. I didn’t know anyone when I moved here from the Pacific Northwest. I toyed with the idea of seeing a psychiatrist, but I didn’t want to take medications unless absolutely necessary. I miss my mom. There are moments when I wanted to call her to tell her all about Edward …”

The oven dinged and Esme checked whatever was inside. “I hope you like lasagna,” she said.

“I love it,” I smiled.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 18 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 18 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 18 on Fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 18 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 18 on Wattpad

Bella closed the door to her bedroom. The only light inside was that of her Christmas tree. It bathed the room in a soft, romantic glow. I was excited, thrilled beyond all recognition at what was going to happen here tonight. I wanted to show Bella how much I cared about her, even if I couldn’t say those three words out loud.

Not yet.

I was terrified that when I said those words, everything would fall apart.

No more negativity, Edward Anthony. Has Bella ever shown you any indication that she would stab you in the back? Even when you were being a colossal douche?

True …

“Edward, look at me,” she said softly, her small hands taking my face. “I love you.” She took my hand pressing it onto her chest, just above her heart like I’d done a few moments earlier. “This beats for you, too. I won’t hurt you. To do so would hurt me, hurt Katie.”

“I don’t want that,” I said, sliding my arms around her tiny body. “I want to give you a part of me. I choose you. I choose to be with you.”

“If you’re talking about making love …” Bella sputtered. “I don’t have any condoms …”

“I’m not ready for that. I do want to make love to you, but tonight is not the right time,” I whispered, kissing her rambling away. She blushed, looking up at me sheepishly. “However, I do want to explore. I want to give you a part of me that no one ever saw, that no one could take.”

Her eyes softened, hugging me so tightly. I buried my face into her neck, reveling in her curves of her body pressed against me. I bent down, picking her up. Bella gasped and looked at me in surprise. I just kissed her, carrying her to her bed. I kicked off my shoes, laying her down on the mountain of pillows. Her fingers gripped my sweater, pulling me onto the bed as well. Bella’s legs tangled with mine and her fingers slid into my hair. Our kisses were languid and deep. It wasn’t about the frenetic need for pleasure.

This was love. This was sharing something inherently more with that one person and only her.

Bella’s hands moved from my hair and down my torso, slipping them underneath my sweater. I pulled away when I felt her palms on my stomach. “Are you okay?”

“Your hands are chilly,” I chuckled.

“Cold hands, warm heart,” she smiled, sliding her hands to my back.