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This is Eclipse in Edward's POV.

Chapter 2: Dreams

I stayed with her that night, like every night. Her exhausted eyes closed swiftly while I hummed her lullaby softly in her ear. The soft even beat of her heart was like a lullaby of its own. It sang to me, calmed me. The warmth of her body covered every inch of mine. I carefully placed a blanket in between her and me. Though she always denied ever being cold, I knew better.
I hated it, with the utmost revulsion I hated it. I hated how my state of being was such an inconvenience. How it were impossible to get too close in fear of causing her discomfort or pain. But I knew it was best. To keep a short distance, to have boundaries. So easily I could hurt her; I was unsafe.

Everything I feared. Everything I loved. Everything I cherished, was lying here in my arms.
Feared because in an instant, she could be gone. Like a sunny day stolen from beneath the dreary clouds. Fear because she desired this bleak existence that I had. And fear because she could choose another.
It would bring me unimaginable agony if she decided that I no longer had her heart. But she would always have mine. From that first glance, that first smile, that first hello, she had captivated it. My willpower was weak, and I did not fight the once lost emotions that flooded back. I am a selfish creature. So willing to snatch away her precious life, to steal her soul, so that I might not feel so desolate.

She began to mumble, and I pressed by cheek gently against her satin hair.
“Shh, Bella.” I crooned. “It’s only a dream. Shh”
“Jacob. No.” She murmured. “I’m so sorry, Jake. Please forgive me. I’m coming to see you.”
My insides contorted at the mention of his name.
“Bella, love. It’s alright. Everything is okay. I’m here.” I whispered in her ear, softly stroking her hair. She squirmed away from my touch. I released my other arm from around her waist and removed my self from her to go sit in the rocking chair.
“Jacob.” She continued to plead.  I didn’t know what to do. It was silent for a short while. Her soft intakes of breath were the only sounds that held my attention.

“Edward.” she said suddenly. Her voice was a little louder. Had she awoken? Her arms searched the bed only to find I wasn’t there. Her heart picked up tempo and I immediately rushed over to her side.
“I’m here, love.” I said while reclaiming my previous position, both arms wrapped securely around her, binding her to me. Her heartbeat returned to its peaceful and entrancing lullaby as she nestled closer to my chest.
“I will always be here.” I whispered. Not entirely sure she could hear.

I could never be angry with her. She missed her friend; that was understandable. But to wish to visit him, to put herself in harms way, without even a second thought? It hurt me beyond words to think what could happen in my absence. I desperately wished there were someway to explain how difficult this was for me. To deny her something she wanted tormented me. But this was for her safety, could she not understand that? Why was it such an incomprehensible concept?
But I knew the answer to my own illogical question. It was because she was of the forgivable nature. She didn’t like to cause people pain so she would do anything in her power to alleviate it. Even if it wasn’t her burden to bear.

The sun began to trickle through the windows, though later it would be blocked from view behind the jealous clouds. This is the time I usually left to return to my house. Every morning it was hard to tear myself away from her. I didn’t like not being there when she would wake up. If I had my way, I would never part from her.  But leaving was an especially challenging task today.
I wanted to stay. I wanted to see her beautiful brown eyes open to the breaking of a new day.
But I had to get home. I tried to placate myself with the idea of being able to see her in a few hours. It worked, but barely. I forced my arms from around her warm body. My fingers caressed her porcelain cheek as I gently kissed her forehead.
“I love you.” I whispered against her skin. She mumbled something incoherent as a reply. Her attempt at conversation made me chuckle.
“Sleep now. I will see you soon.” I promised. And my lips found her forehead once more.

                                                        ***

The wind flew threw my hair as I ran down the dimly lit street. The sun was still hidden, only giving off a faint glow to prove its existence. It took me a matter of minutes to reach my house. It was lit up; obvious that sleep was not something that often happened here.
“Hello dear.” Esme greeted when I entered the door. She was rearranging the flowers on the centerpiece of the dining room table.
“Hello.”
Carlisle’s in his study. He’s doing some research on the killings in Seattle. She thought.
I nodded my head in thanks.
Alice and Jasper were sitting comfortably on the couch in front of the television that was tuned to the news.
“Hey there.” Alice said as I walked over to the chair beside them.
“Hey. Anything new?” I asked, inclining my head towards the man in the black suit.
“No. Not really.” Jasper replied. But it’s all very strange. I can’t seem to figure out the pattern. he added in his thoughts.

He’s been staring at this T.V. for hours. Waiting for more information. It’s getting annoying. I need something to do! I laughed at Alice’s exasperated tone. I already knew the next question before she asked. Jasper pretended that he didn’t notice our conversation.
When is Bella coming over? she prodded.
“Well, I have a favor to ask of you. If you would be so kind.” Her smile began to slowly fade.
What is it? She’s not going to hate me for it is she?
“Hate is such a strong word.” I said. “I prefer to use the term, dislike, if you don’t mind.”
Just tell me what you want me to do, Edward. She glared at me from around Jasper who was still focused intently on the news.
“I would like you to watch over Bella when I go hunting.” I said.
Edward. Be serious. She’ll never allow it. Her voice was smug as she leaned back in the cushions.
“That doesn’t matter. I need her safe, Alice.” My voice was hard. I was beginning to grow frustrated with the lack of responsibility.
“Why? What’s wrong? Has something happened?” She said urgently, abandoning the voice in her head. Jasper tore his attention away from the news to face her.
“What’s wrong Alice?” His voiced panicked. Only when something was threatening her, did he react this way. A wave of calm flooded the room.
“I don’t know, ask Edward.”  They both turned to face me.
“No, nothing is wrong.” My words did not deceive anyone. “ Please, Jasper. There is no need for that.” I added kindly.
“Oh. Sorry.” He apologized, and the serenity left as swiftly as it had arrived. Now that the peacefulness had receded, I was able to explain the need for Alice's help. “She wants to see Jacob Black.” Malevolence colored my tone.
“And why is that such a bad thing?” Alice raised her eyebrows tauntingly, mockingly.
“Because” I said darkly. “He’s a werewolf.” Again, both Jasper and Alice were staring at me.
In an instant, Esme’s hand rested on my shoulder. Weather it was there for comfort or restraint, I wasn’t sure.

Are you sure of this? She thought.
“Yes.”
All three of them exchanged worried glances at this sudden intake of knowledge.
“Just tell me you’ll keep her safe. Please, Alice.” My anger was gone. The sun was absent from the sky, though I knew very well that it was only hiding its face.
”Of course she will, dear.” Esme answered for her.
“Wait, what’s in it for me?” Alice asked playfully.
“Alice!” Esme scolded. The reprimand wiped the smile from Alice’s face. She turned to apologize but I interrupted her.
“No. No. You’re right. It was impolite of me to suddenly ask this of you. I do, however, have something that might be worthy to compensate for you loss of time.” I smiled. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and when she opened them, her face was bright and ecstatic.
“No way!” She squealed.
“It’s all yours.” I said. “But please try to have some fun as well. That means no shopping this time around.” Alice frowned for a minute but refused to let my ban on her already planned shopping spree be the downfall of her buoyant mood.
I got up from the chair and make my way up the winding staircase. It was time to get ready for another day of school. The only thing that could alleviate the boredom was the fact that Bella would be there to distract me. I smiled a little at the thought.
Alice was giddily explaining her gift to Jasper and Esme.
“Alice? One more thing.” I met her eyes from my stance on middle of the stairs.
“Anything.”
“Be sure you keep her safe.” I reminded her.
“Safer than safe.” She grinned. “She’s with a vampire.”