wounded angel

This is the best way I have found to cope with that dull ache in my chest that gets greater with every day that passes without Felix. It makes me wonder why Bella never thought of doing the same thing when Edward left her.

I am brought out of my deep thoughts of Felix by my phone pinging on my nightstand by my bed. A smile breaks out on my face when I see it is a message from Felix himself. ‘Happy Birthday, my Dearest Little Dove! I will call you later today after I finish up with my duties; I’m sorry I couldn’t make it there today to celebrate with you.’

‘Thank you, Fe <3 You have already made my day much better.’ After I hit send, I make my way down the stairs to greet my adopted dad, Charlie.

“Good morning, Dad!” I exclaim as I make my way into our kitchen.

“Morning Bug, Happy Birthday.” He says, getting up from the kitchen table with a small box in hand, blue ribbon on top.

“Dad, I thought we agreed on no presents,” I state as he goes to hand me the box.

“Yeah, I know, but I think you are really going to like this one, kiddo. If it makes you feel any better, it is the only present.” A ghost of a small smile makes its way onto his face as he puts the box into my hands.

“Okay,” I say as I open the box and gasp when I see a key inside.” Dad, is this?”

He just nods his head softly with a smile. I bolt out the front door and see a Black Acura 1999 TL parked in the driveway where Bella’s truck is usually parked. “I know it’s not much, but it has low miles and good gas mileage.”

“What! Dad, it’s perfect! I love it! Thank you.” I pull him into a tight hug, to which I feel him tense for a second before he relaxes into the hug.

Charlie has always been a bit awkward with affection, but we are working on it. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Your new curfew is 11:30 pm. Please be safe tonight. I have to work late at the station.”

“Thank you! Thank you!” I exclaim before running to the driver's seat. I adjust my mirrors and seat to the most comfortable and safe position.

“Drive safe, or I will pull you over.” Charlie jokingly warns with a very serious undertone.

“Always,” I reply, starting my car. Charlie helped me get my license a month ago, as Bella had graduated, so that I could drive myself to school.

I play music from the stereo as I drive over to the Cullens' house. Much to my dismay.... Alice is throwing me a birthday party. It is July, so she thought that after the horror story that was Bella’s 18th birthday, it would be best to have it outside in their yard.

I pull up to their house and see that the yard is beautifully decorated, and Esme, being as sweet as she is, took it upon herself to make Bella and I a lot of snacks. Upon further inspection, I see that Esme had made me a fruit tart; she knows I am not a fan of cake. My heart swells with love as I park my new car. I take my key out of the ignition.  “There’s the Beautiful Birthday Girl.” Alice muses as she comes running up to me with her skin sparkling in the sun.

Bella is right, the Cullens are truly beautiful in the sunlight, just like diamonds. I find irony in Alice’s comment, but I say a quick, “Thank you, Alice.” I hug the cold girl.

“Of course! Do you just love the car?” she questions.

“Yes! I love it. Did you help Charlie?” I ask as I didn’t get the chance to mention my new car to her, even though I drove it here.

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. Come see everyone,” she muses as she grabs my hand and escorts me to the backyard, where my sister Bella and the rest of the family are.

“Happy Birthday, sweetheart,” Esme says while softly pulling me into her gentle yet cold embrace. I really like Esme, she reminds me of what little I could remember of my mother.

“Thank you, everyone, I really appreciate it,” I say while taking turns hugging everyone, except Edward; He just gets a short nod as he and I are still on the outs.

Edward awkwardly passes me a small, wrapped box with a purple bow on top; my sister definitely wrapped it. “It’s from Bella and I.”

“Thank you very much.” I open it and see a Polaroid camera, something I have been wanting for years. “Edward, I am going to hug you. You get on my nerves every chance you get, but I can’t deny that you give thoughtful gifts.” I pull Edward into a very short and awkward hug,which only lasts a few seconds. I miss the small smile that makes its way onto Bella’s face.

I open more presents as they are passed to me. I get a scrapbook from Carlisle and Esme, a bracelet from Rosalie, an art set from Emmett, and Illusion wax melts from Jasper. I laughed when I opened Jasper's present, “Alice, you promised.”

“I’m sorry, I tell Jas everything.” Alice slightly cringes.

“What?” Bella asks, confused.

“Oh, nothing, it is just a little inside joke,” I reply

“Now, please don’t be mad, but there is one more thing. My gift should be here very soon,” Alice says as she pulls out a small box. She places it in my hands, then gently she turns my body around so my back is now facing her house. “Don’t open it quite yet.” She states before she skips back over to where Jasper is standing.

“Okay, now you can open it,” she instructs.

“Alice, I thought I said nothing expensive,” I complain as I start to slowly open the wrapping paper.

“Well, luckily for you, it is not from me, so the rule doesn’t apply,”she says as I slowly open the small black box and gasp. Inside the box rest a pair of beautiful diamond earrings to go along with the necklace around my neck. A smile breaks out on my face as I see a small note inside. I quietly read it in confusion, ‘Turn around, My Dove.’

I slowly turn around so I am facing the Cullens’ house, but instead I stare straight at a chest, a very familiar chest. A smile breaks out onto my face, “FELIX!” I cry and rush into his outstretched arms.

He wraps his cold, strong arms around my frame. “Happy Birthday, my Dove.”

“Oh, how I missed you.” I cry tears of happiness, I let them flow down my cheeks as I pull away from his embrace.

“Hey, don’t cry, Cara Mia, it’s okay. I’m here, and I missed you, too.” He says softly, wiping my tears with his cold fingers.

“You tricked me!” I exclaim and playfully push him, which does absolutely nothing. I bounced off him a bit, actually.

“I know, Dove, but it was so worth it to get to see your reaction,” he states in amusement.

I turn towards the Cullens to see almost all of them with warm smiles on their faces. I feel Felix’s arm go around my waist, “Thank you all very much, you have no idea what this means to me.” I say sincerely.

“It is really no problem, really. It was actually Aro and Alice’s idea.” Carlisle states softly.

“Really?” I ask and look up and over my shoulder at Felix with a smile. He stares down at me with a soft grin on his lips.

“He was tired of my moping around the castle after I finished with my duties.” He smiles down at me a bit wider.

I was about to reply when I heard a shutter and briefly saw the flash of my Polaroid camera out of the corner of my eyes. I turn and see Alice shaking the Polaroid film as it develops, “I’m sorry, it was just too cute a moment to pass up, I had to.”

“Thank you very much, Alice,” I say gracefully as she puts it in the first page of my scrapbook so I don’t lose the picture.

*Time skip*

My Birthday party went over perfectly, no blood, no accidents, no hungry vampires wanting to attack me. It’s just before sunset, and Felix takes my hand into his. ”Walk with me?” He asks, leading me into the woods surrounding the Cullens’ property. I take a quick glance back to see Jasper and Emmett holding back Edward with a confused-looking Bella.

I am brought out of my thoughts by Felix’s soft yet gruff voice, “Do you trust me?” I look up into Felix’s Crimson eyes.

“Without a doubt in my mind, Fe,” I reply with full honesty.

“Good, I’m glad to hear that; Now hold on tight.” He states as he picks me up bridal style, then takes off into the forest at vampire speed.

“Eeekk!” I squeak and hide my face closer to his cold neck if that was even possible. I hear and feel him chuckle slightly.

“It’s not funny, Fe,” I whine out as I feel him come to a stop. Soon, he gently places my feet on the solid ground, and he keeps an arm around me to help me get steady as I regain my balance.

“It is a little funny, babe.” We both freeze at the nickname that fell out of Felix’s mouth. My cheeks flush a deep pink as he looks away in embarrassment.

“Felix?” I softly ask

“I am so sorry if I overstepped, I just, let me kn-” He starts rambling in a panicked tone, which is quite amusing to see such a big vampire panicked.

Rolling my eyes at his panicked ramble, I take a step towards him and reach my hands up to his cold cheeks. I gently bring his face down towards my face level. I roughly place my lips onto his, and I learn very quickly that I have no idea what I am doing, like at all. This causes me to stiffen with panic; Felix senses it. He places his arm around my waist, gently taking control over the kiss, making it softer and more gentle than it had initially started.

We pull away from one another so I can catch my much-needed breath. “Soo, I’m guessing my calling you babe, doesn’t bug you then?” He asks me teasingly.

“Not one bit, Felix, I, I really like you, and I think I am ready to move forward with our relationship,” I say, dancing around the fact that I really want Felix to be my boyfriend now.

I feel both of his big, cold hands cradle my warm cheeks as he gently guides his lips to mine, guiding me into another sweet kiss. Finally feeling a bit bold, I trace the tip of my tongue against his bottom lip. I am not at all prepared for his tongue to meet mine when I go to do it again for the hell of it.

Shocked, I pull away with a gasp as I feel my cheeks heat up bright red. He places his cold forehead on my now hot one. “You are blushing, Mi Amor,” he teases a bit.

“I’m sorry, it shocked me; I've never kissed someone before, let alone like that. I just wasn’t expecting that.” I state, avoiding his intense gaze.

“Hey, look at me.” He starts softly raising my chin up with his index finger, so I am looking up at him now, “It’s okay, you have nothing to apologize for or be ashamed of; I am honored to get to be the one who gets to teach you about all this. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, okay, love, we go at your pace.”

“Thank you, Felix, I really appreciate you.” I smile softly.

“I appreciate you too, Mia amore, more than you will ever know,” he muses as he pulls me into a back hug as we watch the sun start to set.

Felix and I sit in comfortable silence as we watch the sky change from a pretty light blue to hues of pinks, purples, and deep oranges as the sun slowly fades below the horizon. We are now surrounded by the beautiful night sky, full of stars and constellations twinkling all around us from above. I am brought out of my comfortable haze by Felix’s voice, “What time did you have to be home tonight, Babe?”

“Charlie said that my curfew is at 11:30 pm tonight. Where are you staying tonight, and how much longer are you going to be in town for? Will I get to see you again before you go?” I ask, directing my full attention to my mate as I never want this moment to end.

“I’m staying at a hotel up in Seattle. I have to leave in a few days. I sure hope I get to see you again before I go. How busy are you, Dove? It is also almost 10:30pm, we should start getting you headed back towards home.” Felix states, “Do you want to run or walk back?”

“Can we please walk back? I want to get as much time in with you as I can before you have to go back. And I am never too busy for you, Fe, I’d love to come visit you in Seattle.” I say before grabbing his large, cold hand in my smaller, warm one.

“Doesn’t my body temperature bother you?” He questions as we slowly make our way through the woods surrounding the Cullens’ property.

“No, actually, it doesn’t, I don’t really do well in the heat...like at all. So, it is actually very nice that you are so cold, it feels like a breath of fresh air; if that makes sense.” I pause before continuing, “Does the scent of my blood bother you?”

“Bother me?!? Oh god no! Honestly, the scent of your blood is a bit intoxicating; the only thing that is more powerful is the need I feel to protect you from everything out there in the world.” Felix exclaims as he stops walking to look at me for a second.

“You know something, Felix, I don’t think I would make a very good vampire.” I giggle a bit as Felix looks down at me, confused.

“Why’s that, My Dove?” He inquired while placing a bit of hair behind my ear.

“Well, because blood makes me feel queasy, I am not good with blood at all.” I laugh

Felix smiles softly, “I promise that goes away with time, I promise. Your thirst for blood when you are a newborn will overpower that queasiness you feel.”

“After I graduate, you are going to have to turn me into a vampire, huh?” I ask nervously.

“It is definitely what my masters want, but I promise you this, I will do everything in my power to delay that day until you are ready.” He nods his head while gently swinging our interlaced hands back and forth between us.

After a few more minutes walking in comfortable silence, we start to see the Cullens’ house come into view. Felix seems to hear something before I do as he tenses up next to me, “Stay behind me.” He states, gently moving me so he is in front of me protectively.

“Why? Felix, what is going on?” I ask, placing one of my hands on the lower part of his shoulder.

“Edward and Alice are arguing; they are headed this way,” he whispers to me.

Sure enough, not even a second later, I can hear the raised voices of Edward and Alice reverberating off the trees around us. Loud and clear, “Edward, it is none of your business, leave it alone!” Alice exclaims in anger

“Alice, it is my business; he is going to absolutely ruin her. Imagine what that would do to Bella.” Edward huffs back.

“Her life doesn’t involve you, Edward; you have your own mate to worry about! For fuck sake, stop trying to get in between them. You need to stop assuming things and just let them be happy!” Alice curses.

“she much be really mad, I’ve never heard Alice curse before.” I whisper to Felix

“Well, we are none of Edwards' concern or business,” he tells me softly while staying in front of me, shielding me from view.

“He is going to turn her into a monster Alice!”

“OH COME ON, EDWARD, STOP ACTING AS IF YOU CARE FOR HER WHEN YOU KNOW DAMN WELL THAT YOU DON’T GIVE A RAT'S ASS ABOUT HER! YOU ARE JUST TRYING TO PLAY THE HERO TO REDEEM YOURSELF TO BELLA FOR LEAVING HER ALONE LIKE THE COWARD YOU ARE! You need to mind your own FUCKING business. He doesn’t turn her into a monster. Felix turns her into a powerful woman who knows she is valued, loved, and cared for, and THAT is ALL that matters.” Alice yells at Edward.

“Alice! What the hell!?!” Bella exclaims

“Oh, COME ON, Bella! You and I both know it’s true. It is time to face the facts.” Alice snaps with a venom-laced tone. She is indeed very angry. I never heard her talk to Bella that way, let alone yell at one of her siblings.

“No, I don’t believe you! Felix isn’t good for my sister!” Bella exclaims.

At this point, I can feel my heart starting to race as my blood boils over in anger. With my fist balled up at my sides, I start to stomp towards my sister. I make it all of two and a half steps before I am hoisted up into the cold, strong arms of my mate, “Easy there, tiger, we can’t have you doing something you will regret later, let’s take a second to breathe.” Felix says softly, holding me back to his chest while my feet kick around in the air a bit.

“BELLA, you have NO RIGHT!” I yell at her, pointing from my spot in Felix’s arms.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN, I have every right!” she yells back.

“NO, you don’t because when I was saying the same things to you about Edward, I was told to shut my FUCKING MOUTH. Bella, Felix has done nothing to hurt me ever, he doesn’t talk down to me, he doesn’t stop me from seeing my friends, he does NOT make my cut people out of my life, and he has not put me in any line of danger. Too bad the same can’t be said about Edward and your relationship. Maybe instead of worrying about my relationship and trying to get in between it, you should re-evaluate yours. My love life is not any of yours or Edwards concern or business; you both have made your own decisions, so for the love of God, STOP trying to MAKE mine for ME. Felix and I are both consenting individuals who can handle ourselves.” I shake in anger in Felix’s arms.

I have rendered Bella speechless; she just shakes her head and stomps off with a scowl back towards the house. Edward points at Felix and I as I am still being held and states, “Stay away from y/n or you’ll regret it.” As if he is going to do anything.

Before I can reply with a smartass comment, Felix beats me to it. “Edward, must I remind you of the ass-whooping you got from me back in Volterra? I would love to see you try and keep my true mate from me; you wouldn’t live to tell the tale.”

“Is that a threat?” Edward starts to walk towards us.

Felix maneuvers me behind him again, keeping one of his cold hands on my hip behind him. “No, that is a fucking PROMISE.” I glance up and see the rest of the Cullen family watching all this go down in anticipation from the balcony.

“Felix.” I gently whisper out nervously and place my hand on his arm, glancing up at the family, I see looks of disappointment and worry.

“Edward, I suggest you back off and go comfort your mate. She looked pretty angry when she went inside.” Felix suggests in a calm tone.

Edward was about to reply with something snarky before he was cut off by Esme’s angry voice. “Edward, that is ENOUGH, you will leave the poor girl alone! Just let her be happy. I don’t know why this is so hard for you. If this continues, I will personally let Felix adjust your attitude toward y/n, whether you like it or not felix is a part of y/n's life now; she is not Bella. You do not get to control who she has in her life. So, stop trying to control her.”

Edward looks shocked and defeated as he rushes inside with his tail between his legs like a kicked puppy. Esme walks downstairs, and I come out from behind Felix, “Thank you, Esme.” I state before embracing her in a loving hug.

“I want to apologize to both of you. I let Edward’s bad behavior towards you two go on long enough. I can see how truly happy the two of you are together; it reminds me of Carlise and I. I can assure you that Edward will not be bugging you both again, or he will be moving. You are both more than welcome to hang out here whenever you like, y/n, that is also extended to when you no longer have a beating heart in your chest, too,” she says as she pulls away from the hug.

“Thank you very much, Esme. I am truly sorry for the scene that was caused on both parts.” Felix responds, giving her a slight nod in respect.

“Felix, you have nothing to be sorry for, you reacted the way anyone of us would have reacted in that situation. It is starting to get late, though, you’d best get y/n home, we would not want Charlie to start to worry.” She says, nodding back at us both.

“Thank you for everything, Esme,” I say before Felix, and I start to walk towards my car. I turn around to talk to Felix, “Do you want to drive me home?” I ask, dangling my keys in front of him while walking backwards towards my new car.

With a slight smirk, he grabs the keys gently from my hands, and he walks over to the passenger side to open my door for me. “Such a gentleman.” I tease him lightly, smiling as i get into the car, he closes it behind me once I am all settled.

I watch him flash over to the driver’s side. He tries to get into the car, but the seat is too far forward. “How are you so small?” He questions as he adjusts the seat to better accommodate his muscular body.

“How are you so giant?” I counter back.

“Touche,”  he responds as he places his phone in one of the cupholders between us before he starts my car.

“Wait, Felix!” I exclaim before flicking on the dome light. I then pick up his phone and open up the camera app.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, confused putting my car in park.

“Smile for a picture with me? I want you to have something to remember me by while you are back home in Volterra. Alice only took the one Polaroid.” I state cheeks and neck are a bit flushed.

“Oh, Dove, you had me a bit worried for a second.” He snickers before smiling and leaning over the center console. He smiles at the phone with me.

I snap a quick picture of us smiling at the camera. Feeling bold for the second time tonight, I lean over and press a kiss to his cheek and snap another picture. After I am satisfied with the pictures, I place the phone back where he put it first. “Okie, we can go now.” I smile

He snaps out of his trance as he puts my car in drive before pulling out of the Cullen’s driveway and onto the main road we go. At some point down the road, he placed his big, cold hand on my thigh. I place my hand on top of his, holding it as I watch the woods start to thin around me. We finally make it back to my house, and I see that Charlie is still not home yet, as the cruiser is missing from out front.

“Would you like to come inside for a bit?” I ask as he walks me up to the front door, passing me my car keys.

“Are you sure?” he asks with a small smile.

“Yeah, Dad isn’t home yet, and when he does make it home, we can just sneak you out my window,” I say as I lead him to my bedroom.

“How would your dad feel about you having a boy all alone with you in your bedroom?” Felix teases as he sits down on my bed.

“What doesn’t he know won’t hurt him, right?” I state as I walk over to my closet to pick out a pair of pajama shorts and a loose cotton t-shirt. “I will be right back. I am going to go change really quickly.” I say as I walk out of my room and into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

After I am all dressed, I make my way back into my adjacent bedroom. I see Felix laying on my bed with his hands behind his head as he looks around my room in what looks to be awe and comfort. With a smile adorning my face, I walk over to my bed and lie down beside him. “ Come here, Dove.” He says, outstretching one of his arms, exposing his side, making room for me.

“Are you certain?” I ask him dumbly

“Dove, I wouldn’t have offered the opportunity if I was not sure, my love.” He reassures me, a little confused. It’s all the reassurance I need as I carefully make my way over to Felix’s large, cold body. I comfortably nestle myself into his side with my head on his chest. His chest is hard but smooth like marble under his shirt. It’s cold and oddly silent, devoid of a heartbeat, but nonetheless, I find comfort in the silence that is beneath my ear.

A silence falls over us both as we lie together, my breathing slowing as I relax further into my mate's body. I use my index finger to draw small shapes on his chest as he gently rubs small circles on my arm. “y/n/n I have a question.”

“What’s wrong, Fe?” I acknowledge

“What’s with the new wax burner thingie on your desk?” he questions innocently.

I feel my face flush with embarrassment as I hide it in his chest. “A-after I sent you back your cloak, I may or may not have had a bit of trouble sleeping, and during that time I may or may not have gone to every single store in Seattle until I found something that smelt like you…because I missed you.”

“And I am guessing you were successful in your search?” I can hear the smile in his voice

“Yes, well, nothing beats the real thing, I must say. I did get as close as I could; I even roped Alice into helping me, which she did willingly. That is why Jasper got me those wax melts today.”

“That is actually the cutest thing ever. I was going to ask about it earlier, but you said it was an inside joke, so I wasn’t going to pry about it.” He states before placing a gentle kiss on my hairline.

I put my chin on his chest so I can look up at his face, “You don’t think it’s weird?”

“Absolutely not, Dove, why would I think that’s weird? I find it enduring that you missed me so much, and if it makes you feel better, I had Heidi go out and find something close to your perfume as well.” He replies nonchalantly.

Instead of replying, I just lean up and peck him on the lips. I feel his smile on my lips as I do the same. I start to lie back down, but he stops me first by kissing my top lip, then my bottom lip. Finally, he gently kisses the tip of my nose before telling me, “You should get some rest, Dove; it is getting late.”

“Will you be here when I wake up?” I ask getting comfortable on his chest again.

“I can not make any promises, Dove; however, if you are feeling up to it, you can come visit me in Seattle tomorrow if you’d like to.” He says, placing both his arms around my waist while I drift off.

“Really?” I yawn as the events of my day are finally starting to catch up with me.

“Of course you can. Now sleep, my Dove, don’t fight it. You have had a long day.”  He says as he gently rubs my back, lulling me into a deep sleep.