Out of the Darkness Teaser

I was warm and cushioned on something hard, but soft at the same time. I stretched, yawning and blinking open my eyes. I saw that I wasn’t at home, but in a very swanky hotel room with charcoal wings holding me tightly and large hands rubbing my back. Looking up, I smiled sleepily. “Good morning,” I whispered. “What time is it?”

“A little after ten,” he said, a crooked smile spreading over his handsome face. “You slept so hard and very deeply. Your dreams were beautiful.”

“Were you reading my mind? Watching my dreams?” I quipped, sitting up and stretching. “Should I be afraid? Were my dreams pervy?” His crooked smile widened, but he didn’t respond. “Ugh, they were. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I know that I’m being all cautious and taking our physical relationship slowly …”

“I understand why you are and I respect you for it, but seeing your fantasies? It helps me figure out how to proceed and what you’re comfortable with,” he explained, shrugging and his wings disappeared into his back. “And only a minute percentage of your dreams were ‘pervy.’ The rest were very romantic and, honestly? Humbling.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He cupped my cheek, his green eyes swirling with so much emotion. When he spoke, his voice was deep and his accent, that rich, honeyed accent was so apparent. “How you see me … the love you feel for me is overwhelming. You believe me to be your sole protector, your savior and your best friend, all rolled into one. You want me to be your only lover and when we do make love in your dreams, it’s so beautiful.” I blushed, hating that my subconscious was sharing my secrets. “Please, don’t hide yourself, or your thoughts. I tried to be respectful and ignore what I was seeing, but it was surreal, to see how you see me. I’m so humbled by you, Isabella. You believe to be not worthy of me, but it is I who is not worthy of you, my love.”

I didn’t say anything, but I felt my face flame. He drew me into his arms and held me close. I tried to not dwell on what he saw in my dreams. I had no control over them. “I’m sorry, pretty Bella, if I made you uncomfortable,” he whispered, leaning his cheek to my head.

“It’s okay,” I murmured. “I do care deeply for you, Edward.”

“I know you do,” he said, kissing my forehead. “I saw it in your dreams. But, I will stop watching them since it clearly makes you uncomfortable. I am sorry. I was just drawn in to the beauty of your mind. Even with all that happened to you, you’re still able to see the goodness and exquisiteness of the world and in people.” I nodded, smiling softly and idly tracing the ink on his torso. He cupped my chin, looking me in the eyes. “Are we okay?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I’m sorry about being so sensitive. It’s stupid … I just never thought you’d watch my dreams.”

“I won’t do it again. I promise,” he said, giving me a beautifully crooked grin. “Now, we’ve got a big day planned.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Whatever you want,” he beamed. “That’s what we’ve got planned. We’re here until tomorrow. We can just explore, if you want.”

“That sounds like fun,” I nodded. “But, I need a few human moments. I want to take a shower and brush my teeth. I feel kind of grimy.” He chuckled and let me go. Blushing, I turned to him, “Could we go to Pike Place? For breakfast?”

“Anything you want, Bella,” he said.

Out of the Darkness Update

OOTD Chapter 20 on FicPad

OOTD Chapter 20 on AO3

OOTD Chapter 20 on Stars

OOTD Chapter 20 on FFn

OOTD Chapter 20 on Wattpad

I was an anxious mess as Edward drove us to school. It was a combination of what we’d done that morning with Edward’s warm hands on my body, showing me what it was like to have a say in what happened to me. His touch was tender, reverent and hot. It made something within me stir and I didn’t know what that was. I was so used to having my choice taken away and touch to be forceful, hurtful and never with my consent.

I was also panicking because Riley was still out there. According to Edward, Riley was fired and there was an active arrest warrant out for him, but he wasn’t just Riley anymore. He was Riley, with Satan buried deep within him.

 It freaked me the fuck out.

“Bella, I can feel your fear. I promise you that you won’t be hurt,” he said, reaching across and twining our fingers together.

“Edward, Carlisle told me what happens when those arrows …” I whispered.

“Please, don’t worry about that. I won’t be so easily killed,” he snickered, shooting me a wink. I growled, trying to pry my hand from his. “Hey, stop. We’re okay. You’re okay.”

“I can’t lose you,” I said, tears welling and threatening to spill down my cheeks.

“You won’t, pretty Bella,” he said, cupping my cheek and wiping his thumb under my eyes. He pulled into the school, parking next to Alice’s car she was driving. “There will be extra protection surrounding you and me.” I arched a brow. He pointed to the forest behind the school. “Look at the tallest tree.” I did, narrowing my eyes and I only saw leaves. “Human eyesight is not as sharp as mine, but there’s an angel in there. One of my first trainees, Seth.” I looked again and saw the flash of a wing. “You see him now?”

“A little,” I said.

“He’s not the only one,” Edward said, putting the car into park and pocketing the keys. “They’re just hidden in plain sight.” I furrowed my brow. He pointed out a new teacher’s aide and another woman parked across the street.

“How do you know?” I asked.

“Carlisle gave me back my full powers. I can sense when an angel is nearby. It’s a warmth that spreads over me,” he said, helping me out of the car. He carried our bags while I held our lunches. We walked into the school and to our classrooms. Inside, Mrs. Cope was waiting for me in my room and Edward stood taller, bristling at her presence. “She wants to talk to you.”

“Anything bad?” I asked, blinking up at him.

“I don’t know,” he replied. “I’ll be right next door. If you feel like something’s off …” He handed me my bag and I could tell that he wanted to snuggle me. I love you, pretty Bella. With a nod, he left and went next door.