FATED LOVE
By twilover76
PROLOGUE
BPOV
I had never really been fanciful. I never wanted to believe in happily-ever-afters and fairy-tales because my life had been far from Disney-like. Now, don't get me wrong. I had never been abused, neglected, disabled or disfigured. Plenty of people had lived through true suffering; my life had not been horrible in comparison. My life qualified as a lonely existence, particularly the last few years. My mother died about six months after I was born and my father died during my senior year in high school. Both my mother and my father had no siblings and both sets of grandparents had been laid to rest; it was just me, my older brother Emmett, and his girlfriend Rosalie.
Looking back on my cynical nature, of never believing that dreams come true, I had to chuckle a little. Sometimes great things are fated, even for those of us who thought ourselves destined for mediocrity. When I remembered how I came to meet my true love, I had to wonder if even one of the hundreds of circumstances, decisions, or coincidences that day had been changed even minutely, would it have turned out differently? It was amazing how I became a believer in fate so quickly. One hot, summer day in New York City changed my life forever.
CHAPTER 1
A Day in NYC
It was to be my final day in the Big Apple. I had just said goodbye to my newly-married best friend, and I was ready to go back home. It had been an interesting experience for a small-town girl like me.
Well, to be fair, I wasn't as small-town as I used to be. I grew up in a town with an approximate population of three thousand people - Forks, Washington. It's a great place to be if you like rain, forests, and wild-life, not so much if you are looking for excitement. It was the perfect backdrop for the bland life I had lived.
Perhaps all my adventurous tendencies died along with my mother. I never really knew Renee, but Dad told me stories about her zeal for life. Instead, I was brought up in a house of males, with my older brother, Emmett, and my dad, Charlie.
It had to be difficult for my father to represent both parents, because he was never one to show much affection. He was definitely a man's man. He loved sports and fishing. He liked guns and beer. He and Emmett could sit around all day and watch baseball together, but there wasn't much that he and I had in common. Sure, I knew he always cared about me, but he showed his love by being overprotective. I had to check in constantly, obey strict curfews, and wasn't allowed to date until I was sixteen. Not that dating issues were ever much of a problem. His protective nature made my dad a perfect fit for being Chief of Police in our small little town. It was also what eventually got him killed.
If only I had known then what I knew now. I should have recognized from the start there was something off about James Monroe. Forks rarely got an influx of new people, so there was a lot of anticipation around the high school with news of a new senior transferring in. James was an instant hit with the Forks High crowd. He was good-looking, smart, and could flirt with the best of them. I was pretty sure he had a steady girlfriend in Victoria Johnson, but I never really paid enough attention to know exactly who was serious with whom.
James had always seemed extra friendly to me. We had been paired up as biology lab partners for the year. He also found me two or three times each school day to chat about nothing too important. I never considered him to be interested in me romantically. He ran with the popular crowd, and I spent any spare time I had in the library.
In fact, I had never been much of a dater at all. I had gone out a couple times on group dates to the movies just to get Mike Newton and Eric Yorkie off my back. So, when James asked me to go away on a weekend trip with his family over Christmas break, I wasn't surprised at all that my dad flew off the handle and told me no way. I didn't mind having to tell James no because I thought it strange myself. I mean, I didn't even know him, let alone his family.
Soon after I turned him down, a disturbance call came in to the police station at the Monroe residence. The details of what exactly occurred after Dad arrived on the scene were not completely clear to me. The end result being my father was shot in the head by James, and James rotting in prison. I hated my father's killer, and one day we would meet again; vengeance would be mine.
The last semester of my senior year was spent parentless. I was already eighteen - an adult, so I was able to stay in my house, unhampered by authorities. Emmett and Rosalie came home from college as often as possible that semester.
Em and Rose were both two years my elder and began dating their junior year in high school. They were the typical football captain/head cheerleader couple, and went together to attend the University of Washington. Em and I both inherited Dad's brown hair and eyes, but our physical similarities ended there. He was tall, strong, and athletic; it served him well in the sports world, earning him a full-ride football scholarship.
Rosalie Hale was my brother's perfect match. She was by far the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, with her flowing platinum blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a body to die for. She had been dating Em since I was fourteen and was the closest thing I had to a mother/sister/girlfriend. Rose had always tried to help me expand my horizons, try new things, dress up and have fun, however unwilling I was. She could also be fiercely protective in her own way whenever she thought I was in trouble or somebody was messing with me.
I loved Em and Rose with everything in my heart, but they were leaving me just like my parents had left me. I joined them at UDub following graduation, keeping a solitary apartment close to theirs for the last two years. When Em had been drafted in April to play for the Bears, I was excited for him. But he and Rose would be moving to Chicago and probably getting married soon after. They had tried to convince me to transfer and move with them, however I told them I wanted to explore my independence. The truth was I didn't want to continue being a burden on them. They were going to be newlyweds, and Em was just starting his career in the NFL. They didn't need me tagging along with them, forever a nuisance to their relationship.
Aside from my family, I had only had two people that I would classify as friends in my life.
One was Jacob Black. He and I grew up together because our fathers were best friends. He was my sun and could always make me laugh. He believed we would end up married to each other eventually, despite my feelings for him only being platonic. While Jake would forever be my best friend, I knew that our life together would never be the same. Our lives had gone in completely different directions, and there would be no return to our childhood closeness. He was rooted to Forks because of his tribal lineage. I never wanted to go back there. My memories of Forks were sad, and I wanted to leave them all behind me.
Two was Angela Weber. She and I bonded in middle school when she moved to Forks with her family. We shared a love of everything literature, oreos with peanut butter, and eclectic music. She was my rock after my dad died, at my house with me almost every day or having me stay with her. It was hard the day we said goodbye as we left for our freshmen years at college, her flying off to NYU, and me joining Em and Rose at UDub. We had kept in touch the last two years with cell phones, email, and Facebook. I was so happy when she told me she met the love of her life in her English Composition class.
That was the reason I was in New York on that ungodly hot day in July; I was her maid-of-honor. I was happy to see her exchange her vows, smash wedding cake on Ben's face, and throw her bouquet straight at my head. Even with my clumsy hands, I was able to catch it. While I was happy for her, I also felt a pang of sadness in my heart. Her moving on just reinforced the fact that I was so very lonely. I really had nobody left.
I was going to be in Seattle. Alone. With nobody.
I was pondering my loneliness as I walked out of the restaurant following the send-off brunch for the newlyweds who were on their way to the Bahamas for two weeks. I wondered if I would ever be the one to walk down the aisle. I had to admit I was slightly jealous of my best friend finding her true love.
Was there anyone in the world just for me?
My thoughts were interrupted from the loud blare of a car horn. I scowled, waiting for a cab to take me back to my hotel. The entire day had been a disaster to that point. My alarm in the hotel room didn't go off, resulting in me being thirty minutes late for the brunch. I kept getting hit on by the best man, even though I felt I had left no room for doubt the previous evening when I kneed him in the balls for trying to feel me up during a dance. Then, of course I had to be the only person in New York that couldn't catch a cab. Finally, someone took pity on me and picked me up in their smelly, yellow car. I tried to relax in the backseat, knowing I had plenty of time.
Unfortunately, we were caught in a major traffic jam on the way. Sweat poured off me in the harsh July heat with no air conditioning, while we sat like ducks in a pond waiting for the traffic to move. I didn't get back to my hotel until after checkout time. I rushed to my room, washing myself quickly to get rid of the dirt and sweat, then packed my bags by haphazardly throwing clothes anywhere they would fit. I got back down to the front desk and tapped my foot nervously, waiting in line to settle the room bill. I hoped to convince them not to charge me for another night.
Out of nowhere, I had the strangest sensation. It was almost a feeling of anticipation mixed with exhilaration, with a little excitement thrown in; similar to how you feel when you are at the top of a roller coaster and about to drop ten stories straight down. I looked around at the people near me and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Then I turned around and saw him.
He could only be described as the most magnificent and beautiful male in the world. My heart raced, watching him exiting the elevators and walking briskly towards the front door. He was tall, maybe 6'2 or 6'3, lean but not skinny. He strode with a sense of purpose in his tailored suit and papers in his hand. There was an air of importance around him, yet he had a kind face.
Oh, that face!
My panties were wet just looking at him from across the room. He had high cheekbones, a long, straight nose, and the most amazing emerald green eyes. The gorgeous face was topped with hair that begged to have hands run through it. My hands, preferably. It was an odd color, brown mixed with a copper hue.
"Miss?" I faintly heard in the background of my observation of the beautiful man.
"Ahem, Miss?" It was a little louder this time. Someone nudged me out of my trance, and I realized that the receptionist was waiting for me.
"Oh, sorry," I said as I faced her. I turned my head back once more to catch another glimpse of him, but he had already walked out to the street. I sighed and walked up to the counter. Despite my best efforts, I was not able to get out of paying for another night.
I realized I didn't have time to quarrel with them and huffed off with my luggage to the airport. I arrived just in the nick of time, ran to the security area, and made it to my gate before boarding closed. I shouldn't even have bothered rushing.
While I did reach my gate in time, my flight had been delayed due to weather. I hadn't paid any attention to the black clouds that had appeared out of nowhere. The summer storm looked fierce as I glanced out the windows at the lightening flashing across the sky. Exhaustion took over, and I dropped my luggage beside me in the nearest chair. I slumped down and laid my head back, waiting to hear news on my flight.
I must have fallen asleep because I awoke to an airline attendant tapping me on the shoulder. She explained how the inclement weather had grounded all flights for the evening, and people were making other arrangements. I scanned the empty terminal; I was the only one left.
How long had I been out?
I re-scheduled my flight for the next day and once again made my way back to the hotel, suddenly grateful for being charged an extra night. I wouldn't have to fight for a room.
The loud clap of thunder shook the ground, startling me as I exited the cab.
Once I got my new room key, I called Em and explained my predicament as I made my way to the elevator. The reflection in the mirror on the back wall of the elevator summed up my day. My cheeks were flushed, my eyes were weary, and my hair was frizzy and frayed.
It was a day I wanted to forget.
EPOV
I loved New York. It was a great place to visit, to see some shows, eat at great restaurants, and have fun. But, I wasn't there for fun that day. I was there attending the final day of a medical conference specializing in pediatric oncology. Going to talks and seeing new research was fascinating, but the endless handshakes and schmoozing got tiring after a while. I was glad to be heading back to the hotel that evening and looked forward to lazing about before my flight left the next day.
Perhaps I would order up some room service since it was pouring rain outside?
I chuckled to myself as I entered the lobby, knowing Alice would have my hide if I wasted a New York evening with room service when I could be out dining in some new, trendy restaurant. My younger sister was a firecracker. We'd always been close despite the polar differences in our personalities. She was a tiny pixie-like woman with enough energy to fill any room, while I was the tall, lanky, brooding older brother that was always accused of never having a good time.
I couldn't help it if I was serious and thoughtful.
Alice loved to tease me that if I continued to be a wet blanket, I was never going to be able to produce the business-savvy heir that our grandfather was vying for.
My full name was Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, M.D. My mother's father, Anthony Masen was founder and CEO of Masen Pharmaceuticals. I knew he was slightly disappointed I had followed my father in actual medicine rather than his lead in the business end of the medical field. But, I never had a nose for numbers like he did, and I loved being able to help sick kids.
At least my grandfather had Jasper, Alice's husband. Jasper Whitlock had moved up the ranks in Masen Pharm through the Dallas branch. He met Alice at one of the annual galas, and they had been inseparable ever since. Jasper was a cool customer that tended to balance out Alice's hyperactivity. I didn't know why she kept on my case about starting a family. She was the one that had found her true love. I continued reminding her to ditch the birth control.
It was not only Alice who worried about my future. I also had to deal with my mom and dad, Esme and Carlisle Cullen. I loved my parents more than anything and couldn't have asked for better influences to guide me through my life. Yet, they were eager to remind me that life was never complete until I found my special someone. Mom was getting so desperate for grandbabies that she threatened to adopt all the kids who were patients on my floor. About a year ago, I had to finally threaten my sister and mother with never allowing them decorating privileges again if they kept attempting to "set me up" with some Miss Right.
Ha! Those girls were always the same. They were spoiled debutantes with no originality and only saw the dollar signs after my name. No thank you.
I had dated regularly over the last several years, when I had time away from the long, cruel hours during residency. However, first dates very rarely led to second dates. I just didn't want to settle. What was the point? I saw how Alice and Jasper and my parents were thriving in their respective marriages, and I wanted what they had. I wanted someone that I loved waking up to every morning and not someone that I slapped my head for ending up in their bed the night before. I was at a time in my life where I loved my career, my time spent at work had normalized enough for me to keep a regular schedule, and I kept waiting for my true love to show up.
As I walked through the lobby, excitement churned in the pit of my stomach. I paused for a second and took in my surroundings. That was when I saw her. She smiled as she walked away from the front desk toward the elevators and literally took my breath away. Her long, flowing mahogany hair reached half-way down her back. She was thin, but had curves in all the right places. Her khaki shorts were just the right length to showcase her long legs and perfect ass. I felt my pants tighten simply from looking at those legs that went on for miles.
Then I saw her face, and my mouth went dry.
Her heart-shaped face held pale skin which was flawless from my distance, and I was eager to see if it was just as perfect up close. Her tiny nose had just a slight upturn that made me want to nuzzle it with my own. My mind whirled, imagining what her full, red lips might taste like. And those eyes, those chocolate brown eyes were mesmerizing.
I stood like a statue in the middle of the lobby, seemingly starstruck as she talked on her phone. My pulse raced when she reached down to pick up her luggage. I watched her get on the elevator and broke myself out of my stupor, racing to get to her before the door shut.
CHAPTER 2
The Elevator
When I looked up, I saw him getting on the elevator. It was him! He looked a lot more relaxed than he had that afternoon, with his tie loosened, jacket placed over his arm, and the sleeves of his white button down shirt rolled up to reveal his edible forearms. The beautiful man glanced my way as he entered the elevator, and even that brief glimpse of his emerald green eyes left my knees wobbling.
He hesitated for a moment, his finger suspended in front of the buttons. I had already pressed floor twenty-five, so I assumed his room was on the same floor. The thought of him sleeping so close caused a flurry of butterflies to take flight in my stomach.
The beautiful man took a place in the back at a normal personal-space-in-an-elevator distance from my side. The atmosphere became charged as I realized we were riding to our floor alone together in that small space. The slight breeze he elicited when he moved from the door to my side sent a shockwave to my senses. He smelled of sandalwood, fresh linen, soap, and just man; the tantalizing scent was so potent, I tasted it in the air.
My heartbeat quickened as the door began to close. I didn't normally like being in small, enclosed spaces, but being there alone with the beautiful man completely eased my phobia. I wondered if I could be brave enough to say anything to him.
But, what could I possibly say? I want to lick your earlobe and have your babies?
I was sure that wouldn't have gone over very well. My mind ran through humiliating scenario after humiliating scenario while I contemplated how to get his attention. I hoped the elevator was slow because I felt the Jeopardy clock counting down in my head, and I knew I needed to come up with something quick. I was glad there were no other people on the elevator with us so I wouldn't have any witnesses to the impending disaster of my making an introduction.
Suddenly a hand appeared from the outside, stopping the door from closing. I blew out a gust of air in disapproval as I watched an entire family of six, strapped down with enough luggage for twenty, hurrying to get on. The encroachers kept piling in, and I was cursing my rotten luck, until I felt the charged atmosphere getting more energized by the second.
The beautiful man crept closer and closer to me as we were sardined in the box by the boisterous family. I was pushed slightly in front of him when a large piece of luggage was shoved toward my previously inhabited corner. With my back to his chest, I felt the electrical vibrations of our close proximity even though we were not actually touching one another.
I reminded myself to inhale and exhale because my brain buzzed from the claustrophobic conditions and closeness of my personal brand of masculine perfection. I stood rigid, afraid if I moved even a little, I might be reduced to a puddle of nothing on the elevator floor. But it didn't stop me from imagining what it would feel like if I relaxed and fell back a few inches, pressing my body to his.
Oh my God. What the hell am I thinking? Bella, get it together and do not embarrass yourself!
My inner good girl was at war with my inner bad girl. Both of them thought that the beautiful man made an excellent candidate to father my children.
I peeked at the number board, and inner bad girl did a cartwheel, realizing the family would be unloading on the twelfth floor. In my excitement, I looked down to keep my idiotic grin a secret. I thought the beautiful man behind me growled lowly, which sent my girly parts into heat.
Not soon enough, the door opened and mom, dad, and their spawn departed. I sidestepped back to my corner reluctantly, although as a tradeoff I had a better vantage point to see his gorgeous face. If I stood there for years just looking at him, it wouldn't have been enough. He and I both glanced at each other and simultaneously broke out with grins, relieved the obtrusive occupants had vacated.
His smile was so captivating, I actually began to lean toward him. Of course, because I was ch...
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