Athena's POV

A new week. Dreams that kept bothering me. But the biggest bother of all was Bella Swan. Earlier this day she had asked me about Edward, and what his deal was. What happened after though was that she tried to slap me. I wanted to answer like a civilized person and apologize for his actions, but instead my instincts took over and I glared at her and maybe just maybe threatened her if she did not leave me alone I would kill her. Which earned me a lecture from Rosalie afterwards. However, Emmett and Jasper thought it was funny. I wish this stupid pull would let me make my own actions.

The rest of the day had passed without any more problems and we had returned to the house. Lucky me got called into Carlisle's office and we briefly talked over what had happened to me and for now I was relaxing since nothing else unusual had happened.

"Here you are," Jasper said with a careful smile as he entered the large empty room.

"Here I am," I said silently.

"I can show you what you're feeling, if that might help" he suggested.

"Now? Or when Edward usually is in the room?" I asked and smirked. He rolled his eyes but nodded.

"Sure. It would be nice to know," I mumbled and closed my eyes.

The feelings were so overwhelming that I nearly fainted and choked. I felt sadness for thinking he did not like me as I him. A feeling of love so strong that it brought tears to my eyes and it made me cry. It shook me.

"And here I thought I didn't like him that much," I said a bit shakily.

"It's ok to feel upset. I have never felt a love so strong before. The strongest over all mating bonds I have ever felt," Jasper said and met my eyes.

"Jasper- I love him. But he doesn't feel the same way"

"Im sure he feels the same way," Jasper said reassuringly. I smiled and shook my head.

"No Jasper, he doesn't. That was proved to me last week. I saw the way he looked at Bella Swan. Thats his fate, to be with her. The way it was written in the books, theres no way to change it."

"Im so sorry Athena. But there must be a way, i'm sure there is."

"Thanks"

"I'm just glad you are sure of your feelings. I don't want to see either of you hurt," he said with a worried look.

"Can I ask you something?" He nodded and I took a deep breath. "The pull I feel within me. I feel it intensifying when he's close" I said.

Jasper looked a bit thoughtful.

"And when we're too far away for a long time it hurts."

"That sounds extreme," Jasper muttered and his face was not revealing any emotion.

"I'm just asking. Wondering."

"It is usual for to feel a certain pull and connection for mates. The pain is usually linked to when either of the parts are in any danger. Your bond must be very strong to get to that point, so there might be a chance you two are mates."

"I highly doubt it. Thank you anyway Jasper. Really." I gave him a warm hug which he returned.

-

My legs were pulled against my chest as gazed out the window. The wind passed through the trees , brushing them peacefully. I had always dreamt of living in a place like this, all the possible places in the forest to get lost in, feeling the soft dirt below my feet, a beautiful long dress flowing behind me....

My thoughts as Edward appeared beside me just a moment later. Watching me. Ever since that awkward moment in the car caused by my mood swings, we hadn't spoke to each other at all,.

The words from that one dream kept haunting me. Was it the proof of my feelings for Edward? Did I really love him?

As the wind got stronger I swore I could see the sparkling nature and I rubbed my eyes thinking I was tired and I blinked several times.

"Athena," Edward said and brought me out of whatever I was really watching.

"Yes?"

"Are you alright?" he wondered and briefly looked down before meeting my eyes again.

"Yeah" I whispered, returning my eyes on the swaying tree branches. And this time I was certain. When he was so close it was like nothing could keep me down.

There was a silence.

"Beautiful isn't?" Edward muttered beside me, a commonly used attempt to begin a conversation. I sighed and turned my head in his direction.

"I shouldn't have over reacted. Its in your power to do what you want. I was selfish." I gave him an apologetic smile. When didn't answer, I used that as my cue to leave.

Quick Edward's POV

Selifsh? So maybe she really had been jealous, but why? I had only helped Bella get to the office, besides she wasn't as bad as I thought she was. Bella was a kind person, honestly.

I wanted to say something in return. No, I needed to say something in return. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. Athena gave me a small smile.

"Im going for a walk." Athena said and got up, walking out the room and towards hers. She paused in the doorway, and without turning around, said the one thing that made my frozen heart shatter into a million pieces like glass.

"Im sorry, Edward. You deserve better."

Athena's POV

"Where are you going?" Alice piped up as I shut the door behind me, making me forget my conversation with Edward for the moment.

"I was going for a walk. why?"

"Dressed like that? No way, you'll ruin your shoes! Cmon"

Somehow I ended up in her closet. Again.

"Seriously though Alice, its just a walk, i'll be careful with the shoes-" I started but Alice cut me off by sticking a shinny purple dress and black heels in my face.

"Wear these." She demanded and I stepped back.

"Alice! Im going for a walk not a cocktail party! Please, can i wear something comfortable?" I begged

Alice groaned. "Fine. Here." She handed me a pair of brown stylish sweats and a white zip up hoodie.

"Thankyou!" I gave her a hug.

"Im letting you wear that but only if you let me give you a makeover tomorrow!" Alice said.

"But-"

"No complaining. No go on before I regret my decisions" Alice said.

"Did you talk to Rose again?" Alice wondered as I sat on the chair in front of the vanity mirror so that Alice could braid my hair as she wished

"You mean after she tried to act like my mom? No, I have not," I said stubbornly.

"You should. Rose is very fond of you and feels very protective when it comes to you and family in general. But if you don't fix this soon, it will be a wall up between you even when you need her the most," Alice said as she put a necklace around my neck before I could notice.

When she was done with my hair she pushed me out of her room and I almost, and I mean almost, stumbled out. Rose stood on the other side of the hallway. She looked weary when she laid eyes upon me and I crossed my arms. I would have to pass her.

"You look beautiful," she said and gave a small smile.

"Thanks," I muttered.

"Athena I-"

"What's the point Rose? I'm not a child! I'm twenty!" I whisper-yelled to not attract too much attention from the rest of the house.

Her face fell and she looked a bit guilty. "I know," she said quietly and made her way slowly towards me. She stopped some few meters in front of me. "You might not be a child. Alice is right when saying I feel protective of you. It's difficult for me to explain it. But the bond to you is very strong. Your little fight with Bella Swan could have revealed our secret. Your secret-"

"No. That might be what you think, but it would not have revealed anything. Bella started it herself the moment she came up to me!"

"Athena," she whispered softly. Venom filling her eyes. "I truly am sorry, and if it makes it any better I kind of threatened Bella as well. Telling her to stay away from you and Edward. As well as our family. You see, I can be very scary when I want to," she said and we both laughed quietly.

"Strangely enough, it does make it better," I answered.

She pulled me into a hug and held me tight against her chest, not leaving much room to breathe, but it was worth it.

"Now, go for your walk," Rose said and pushed me towards the stairs.

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