Chapter 11

"Where are you going so dressed up?" Allison mused as her daughter descended from the stairs.

"It's for Bella Swan's birthday," Spencer laughed. "It's at the Cullen residence. Alice, one of the Cullen kids, arranged a surprise party for her 18th birthday. Do I look good?"

"You look stunning, honey," her mother smiled. The Uley matriarch couldn't believe how grown up her daughter looked. Just yesterday she had been a little girl playing with a doctor kit, and now she was on her way to possibly become a real doctor. It also pained her that she was not as close to her as she wanted to be. She knew close to nothing about her oldest son, and her daughter was falling on the same track. "You've been getting awfully close to those Cullens, haven't you?"

"Well, I did spend a whole week with them."

"Oh, I know," Allison grinned. "It's just these days you seem to spend more time with Dr. Cullen than here."

"Mom, what does Dr. Cullen have to do with this?"

"Just an observation, sweetheart," the woman dismissed jokingly. "Be careful, alright? And have fun."

"Thanks, mom," Spencer smiled. "I'm probably gonna be late, so don't wait up. Love you!"

"I love you too, honey!" she called out.

Spencer didn't know she had been holding her breath until she reached her car. Her mother questioning her relationship with the Cullen family, most importantly Carlisle, had her nerves on edge. She was unsure why she was still keeping her relationship with Carlisle a secret, especially from her own mother. Maybe it was the fact that people believed he was now a 26-year-old doctor that was married to Esme instead of a centuries-old vampire forever aged twenty-three years.

"So, you're still with that blood-sucker doctor?" Paul's voice startled her as she got into her truck.

This type of interference had become quite common between the pair of friends. It was clear to Spencer that Paul would never accept her relationship. Given the rift between the species, there was nothing in the near future that could bring peace to them both.

"Can we not do this, Paul?" Spencer sighed defeatedly. "I understand you don't like him, and I'm not asking you to be his friend. All I'm asking you is to respect him as my partner. That's all. As my friend, I would hope you could extend me at least that courtesy."

"Look, Spence. All I can promise you is that I'll be here when he inevitably breaks your heart."

She could not stand the smug smirk that was on his face like he knew a secret she didn't. "And what makes you think he will?"

"Because he's a vampire," he chuckled. "He has maybe two or three more years before people start noticing that he's not aging. And not even that, what would people say about the perfect twenty-six-year-old doctor dating an eighteen-year-old? What would people say?"

"Paul, get away from my car." Her voice was stern. Her hands gripped the steering wheel until her knuckles went white. "Whatever I do not share with you about my personal life is of no concern to you. And whatever people think about me or Carlisle, does not concern me. I am sure in our relationship, and I don't need anyone's validation of it."

"That's why you keep it a secret from everyone, then? Because you don't care what people say," he pushed. "Let me know how that plays out. Have fun tonight, Spence."

"Goodbye, Paul."

"See you around, Spencer."

Through her rearview mirror see his form shrinking, the same smirk permanent on his face. She could not admit that he was right. In a matter of years, the Cullens would need to move from Forks before the townspeople started to look into their suspicions.

Spencer put those thoughts at the back of her head. She wouldn't have to worry about that for a long time, she thought. There was no need to stress herself over it now.

As she arrived at the Cullen residence, Carlisle was waiting for her outside. He was dressed in a black suit, a blue scarf loosely wrapped around his neck. His radiant smile served as an accessory to his perfect face.

"You look ravishing, my love." Carlisle opened her car door, extending a hand to help her out. He twirled her slowly, taking in the sight of her before dipping her as he kissed her gingerly. "I'm glad you could join us tonight."

"Thank you, darling," Spencer beamed. "You look very handsome yourself."

He led her into the home and an involuntary gasp left Spencer's mouth. Alice had gone overboard as usual, but it was an astonishing view. The room was lit by pink candles, paired with a plethora of crystal bowls filled with roses. The table that homed the intricate pink birthday cake was dressed in white, holding plates and silverware, as well as silver-wrapped presents. It made Spencer's small gift bag look cheap.

"I thought Bella didn't want a big thing," she whispered to Carlisle. She was sure the Swan girl would hate the attention she would get during her birthday.

"This isn't big," he chuckled. "This is just how much Edward was able to rein Alice in. Once she gets an idea in her head, there's no one that can make her desist of it."

"Regardless, it's beautiful."

Spencer left her gift on the table, hiding it behind the professionally wrapped gifts before following Carlisle to the kitchen. There Esme was cooking a small meal since the only two people that could consume human food were Bella and her. Regardless, she was sure Esme had already set aside some food for her to take home as she had done a week ago after she had recovered.

Esme was accompanied by a rowdy Emmett and a scowling Rosalie. Spencer knew Rosalie wanted to be anywhere but there. Many would take her disdain for Bella unwarranted and far too extreme, but the Uley girl knew better. Rosalie could not stand a person wanting to renounce her humanity so willingly. She was angry that the one thing she wanted more than anything, Bella was so quick to want to get rid of. Thankfully, she held no qualms toward Spencer, since she was considering all of her options instead of diving headfirst into immortality. If it weren't for Edward, Bella would have joined them as a vampire the second she knew what they were.

On the other hand, Emmett was very excited. He went on and on about the surprise they had in store for Bella – a new stereo for her old and beat-up truck. Knowing the Cullens, she knew they would much rather have gotten Bella a new car. The stereo was just a compromise. He also rambled about all the things Rosalie and he did whilst on their trip to Africa – everyone in town believing they were in Dartmouth continuing their collegiate studies. The juxtaposition between Rosalie and Emmett was astronomical, but they simply worked.

"I'm glad you're here, Rose." Spencer sat next to the blonde, her gaze softening as she acknowledged Uley's presence. "Was the trip back comfortable?"

"Comfortable enough," she smiled softly. "Though I wish I was still over there. It's dumb to celebrate the birthday of someone that doesn't value her human life. I mean, she said she wanted no gifts, but I'm sure if Edward offered it, she'd jump at the chance to become a vampire."

"Rose, why are you so harsh on her?" Spencer questioned. "I'm human as well and I will be facing the same question one day, but you don't hold resentment toward me."

"Because you actually value your human life. We all know every time you're with Carlisle you're debating whether immortality is something you can do. You appreciate the gift you have of running blood and a beating heart. She doesn't."

"Well, I understand that. But at least it will be her choice," she countered. "It might not be the choice you would have made – at the end of the day, the only one that can decide what her future will be like is Bella. Maybe you can ease up a little bit on her?"

"I mean, I won't say anything, but I can't help what my face will look like," she grinned.

"Okay," Spencer chuckled. "If you feel too annoyed at any point, you can pull me aside at any time."

"Make it look like a Mean Girls scene?" Rosalie laughed.

"What's so funny?" Carlisle joined them, placing a kiss on Spencer's cheek and wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Just checking on Rose here," she smiled, leaning into his touch. "Make sure everyone enjoys tonight."

"Isn't that nice of you, love?" He gifted his girlfriend a gleaming smile. "Now, can I steal her away for just a second?"

"Be my guest."

Carlisle led her to the back porch and memories of the night he confessed to being a vampire came flooding back. She remembered the tears, the hurt, the disappointment. However, she didn't feel that anymore. Now, she was happy, in love, and excited about the future.

Soft music trickled out onto the porch, the patio lights glimmering above them. Carlisle twirled Spencer and placed one hand on the small of her back and the other held hers. They danced softly under the moonlight, enjoying each other's presence. Moments like these were what made eternity such a gratifying temptation.

"Have I ever told you that I love you, Carlisle Cullen?" Spencer looked up into his golden eyes, their height difference very apparent the closer they were.

"I believe you have mentioned it once or twice," he smiled. His head dipped down and his ice-cold lips touched to hers. "If I've ever known love it is because I met you. I am completely and utterly consumed by the desire of being with you."

"You know, I wouldn't mind forever if it always felt like this," she whispered. It had been the first time she had admitted her contemplation of eternity by his side.

"Are you sure you're not just intoxicated by the moonlight?" He didn't want to let on how excited he was. As much as he questioned if her becoming a vampire was the right thing, unlike Edward, he dreamed of eternal life alongside her and being the one to give it to her. Maybe it was for selfish reasons, but he couldn't see himself continuing forever by himself. "But, are you serious? You would consider the change?"

"It's not something I take lightly," she smiled looking down. "Leaving my mom, becoming my brother's enemy, abandoning my friends again – it is the hardest decision that I would ever have to make. But you, Carlisle Cullen, are worth it."

She placed a warm hand on his stone-hard cheek, making his eyes flutter closed and a smile to creep onto his face. Spencer pulled Carlisle's face down softly, connecting their lips in a soft and passionate kiss. One Carlisle deepened by placing his hands on her face and pulling her in.

"Nevertheless," she chuckled slightly. "I would like a few years still of being human; a couple of birthdays. I could not be forever eighteen with a twenty-three-year-old partner."

"Anything you want, my love," he smiled. Happiness was the only thing that surged inside the vampire's body. Knowing that the possibility of spending the rest of their lives intertwined grew larger every day had him excited for the future – for the first time in hundreds upon hundreds of years he was excited about the future. "I can understand not wanting to spend the rest of your life the same age as my children – going to high school and college every few years."

"Yeah, and have people still believing you and Esme are together?" Spencer teasingly laughed. "I'll take the few human years over that. Maybe even enroll in medical school in the next town we go to. A fresh start?"

"Fresh start." He gave her another kiss, hugging her body to his. "Now, we should be heading inside. Bella's here."

The couple headed inside, walking hand-in-hand, bright and unwavering smiles on their faces. Nothing could have prepared them for the rapid decline of the night. Bella's papercut detonated a series of events that left everyone on edge. The droplet of blood activated Jasper's never-ending hunger for human blood, prompting Edward to push Bella back in an effort to keep her protected from his brother's fangs. A move that backfired as she collided with a glass table that shattered on impact, embedding small shards of glass in the girl's arm.

Spencer wanted to spring to action, but Carlisle held her back. As much as he knew she wanted to help, he would not allow her to be in the line of fire. They were being faced head-on with the consequences of having humans inside a vampire circle.

Emmett wrapped his giant arms around the blonde boy and did his best to pull him out of the house. The rest of the family followed behind, all hands on deck to make sure Jasper was as far from the house as possible.

Edward and Alice had been the only two to stay back, working their hardest to not breathe in the scent of blood. Still, it was easy to see that they were struggling. Even if they had been around the liquid for a long time, no one had as strong a resistance as Carlisle. Once the imminent danger was far from reach, the older Cullen took care of Bella.

"Edward, they're right," Spencer intercepted as Carlisle and Bella tried to convince the lovesick boy to leave the room filled with the metallic smell. "It'll be better if you go check on Jasper. You too, Alice. We've got things handled here, guys."

The vampiric siblings left the room with apologetic stares toward the injured girl. Spencer was sure they wanted to stay as moral support, but the longer they did, the worse their hunger would get. And Carlisle would not be able to protect either human girl from two feral vampires on his own.

"I'll start clearing out the mess outside," Spencer announced. "Unless you need any more help here?"

"I've got it covered, dear," he smiled. "Thank you."

Spencer left the kitchen with a trash can and cleaning supplies. Once back at the living room, she saw Esme already getting started. She could see that the woman was holding her breath, even the sight of the blood had her woozy.

"Esme, let me," she offered. "Be with your family."

"It's okay," Esme slurred slightly. "I'm okay."

"You don't have to be. Seriously, I've got this," Spencer smiled. "Get some air."

It did not take long for Spencer to clear out all the glass and the trampled roses, careful of the shards and avoiding another disaster. After all the shrapnel was cleared, she got to mopping the floor. Almost instantly, the white mop turned a deep hue of pink, sopping up all the crimson liquid that had dripped onto the white floor. The smell of bleach burned her nostrils, quickly starting a headache.

Satisfied with her work, Spencer threw away the bags with the tainted glass and the used mop, making sure to pour bleach into the trash can to mask the smell. Then she headed back to the kitchen to check up on Bella and Carlisle.

"What about you and Spencer?" Bella inquired. "How are you getting over this whole human-vampire thing? It's not that different from Edward and me. Yet, you guys make it look so easy."

"It hasn't been," Carlisle sighed. "Unlike... my son, I do not see this as a damnation on one's soul. Spencer can and will make the decision for herself. Who am I to tell her what her life should be?"

"Does she want to be a vampire?" Bella continued. "And would you regret turning her into one?"

"It seems she's leaning toward that decision," he smiled. "Regardless of what she decides, I'm just happy that I was able to meet her. Having her in my life has been the greatest gift immortality has given me. I don't see how it can be so bad when it led me to her."

Spencer could not help the smile that crept onto her face along with a red color on her cheeks. "How're we doing here?" she interrupted. "Anything I can help with?"

"We're just about done," Carlisle announced. "I suppose I should take you home now."

"I'll do that," Edward said, coming into the room silently.

Carlisle motioned at Spencer to leave the couple by themselves, disappearing into his bedroom after giving a quiet goodnight.

The bed was perfectly made, unchanged since Spencer's week-long stay at the residence. She smiled at the nights she spent there. Though sick and weakened, it had been the longest time she had spent with Carlisle uninterrupted.

"Penny for your thoughts, darling?" Carlisle broke her out of her contemplation. "You seem a little out of it."

"I'm just thinking back to a couple of weeks ago," she smiled. "It was intimate – the baths, the cuddles, the closeness. It makes me think..."

"Of what goes beyond that?" He grinned as she sheepishly nodded. "I can't lie and say I haven't thought of it before."

"Well, what are we going to do about it? I am sure there is an obvious solution to this," she teased. She slowly started losing the distance between them, rounding the bed. "But we'd have to start by removing this shirt."

Her fingers danced over the buttons of the blood-speckled blue shirt. They had already witnessed what was under their clothes, but this night felt different – this night was different.

"Don't start something we can't finish, love," Carlisle grumbled. His eyes had gone dark as he followed her slim fingers button by button. As she worked her way down, more of his marble white skin was exposed. "We shouldn't, dear."

"Why not?" Now she was wearing a devilish grin. "I know we both want it. We should allow ourselves to have the things we want."

"I could hurt you." He took a sharp breath as her hands went up his chest, traveling to his shoulder and ridding them of the stained shirt. "I don't want to hurt you."

"You have the best self-control of all the vampires I know – though I don't know many," she chuckled. "I know you would never hurt me, not intentionally. And I am stronger than I look; I can take it, darling."

"I just don't think..."

"Stop thinking, Carlisle," she incited. "Let go. For once, let go."

And he did.

Carlisle crashed his lips onto hers, hungry. It had been years since he had indulged in matters of the flesh, always finding it an unsatisfying activity with the partners he had been with. This was different. This time he was in love, he was pent-up, he was touch deprived. His bare chest collided with hers, eliminating whatever space was left between them.

"I want to make sure this is something you actually want," Carlisle interrupted. "We can stop at any point, alright?"

"I want this, Carlisle," she panted. "I want everything with you."

Spencer pulled him down by his neck, connecting them once more. She was nervous, of course. It was her first time, but she felt ready. Though she lacked in experience, she knew what to do. Years and years of reading had taught her what she needed to know.

Carlisle turned her, his lips on her neck and his hands on the back of her dress. She brushed her hair forward, providing him with more access to her skin. As he slid her zipper down, chills ran through her body. The man could see how her skin prickled at his touch, which worked to turn him on even more. Being able to hear and see how her body reacted to him made the arousal in his own body grow to exponentially new heights.

Once the dress had been zipped completely down, Carlisle slid the sleeves off her shoulders, letting the piece of fabric to fall and pool at her feet. His fingers gingerly traced her body, leaving a kiss on every spot he passed – her neck, kiss; her shoulder, kiss; the curve of her waist; her hips, her thighs. Down there he grabbed the dress and helped her step out of her clothes.

"You look ravishing, my love." He joined her once more face-to-face, kissing her hungrily. "Perfectly exquisite."

"Wait, wait, Carlisle," she breathed out. Carlisle was perplexed by a spot on her neck that drew out soft moans and pants from her mouth. "Your family. They will hear."

"Edward took Bella home." Back to her neck. "The rest are still out with Jasper. We are all alone."

With a wicked grin, he bounced her up, prompting her to wrap her legs around his waist as he moved them to the bed. Without breaking the kiss, he laid her gently on the bed. His lips traveled her body, stopping at the mounds of her chest. With his mouth, he lapped at one and his hands gave attention to the other. Carlisle coaxed the most guttural moans from her, using so little stimulus he was able to elicit such deep reactions.

Every part of him was cold, ice-cold. It contrasted against her now over-heated body and helped keep her at a comfortable temperature. He was comfortable, he felt natural.

After he felt satisfied he'd taken care of her stiff peaks, Carlisle's mouth traveled down once more. He left kisses on her stomach, her waist, her hips, hovering over the waistband of her underwear. She had not planned for this night to go this way, but she was glad she had at least worn an attractive pair.

Spencer prompted herself on her elbows, watching as Carlisle used his teeth to pull the black lacy undergarments off her body. This was a new look on the man. Long gone were the golden eyes that stared at her, instead they were replaced with an unparalleled hunger – lust. And she could not decide which gaze she liked more.

As he came back up, he kissed up her legs, his lips tickling her legs. Carlisle wanted to stretch out the moment, make sure he savored every bit of the woman in his arms. Unlike his other "conquests," she was special, and he wanted to make sure she felt that way.

"Carlisle," she giggled breathlessly. "Stop teasing me. I need you."

"Anything you want, dear," he grinned.

That's when he started his feasting. Carlisle licked a stripe up Spencer's fold, fishing out a stammered gasp from the girl. She was sensitive and completely drenched. The man started working overtime when he circled his mound over the tender mound that lived at the top of her cunt. He flicked his tongue, sucked, and circled. Her screams of pleasure only worked to light a fire in him. Spencer's sweet nectar was his source of food, and he was ravenously hungry.

Soon his mouth was aided by a cold hard digit, sliding expertly into her drenched entrance. He made Spencer explode in a pattern of screams and mewls, her hands diving into the golden strands of his hair, pulling and grabbing.

"Fu~uck," she mumbled out as Carlisle squeezed in another finger. "Baby, I'm close."

"Cum, darling," he muttered against her. "I wanna feel you on my fingers."

He pumped faster, making sure to curve the tip of his fingers to reach the spongy spot that would yield faster results. With each movement her insides got wetter and wetter, making it easier to slide one more digit into her. He knew it was her first time — though not able romantic as he would have wanted to give her — and wanted to make sure she was prepped and stretched enough for her enjoyment.

This was more than the utmost carnal act; it was a demonstration of the love and trust they held for each other. Not only was Spencer trusting Carlisle with the experience and her body, but she was also trusting him with her life.

With a few more strokes, Spencer let herself come undone. Her legs clamped around the man's head, her hands gripping his hair for stability. For the longest time, she had theorized how her first orgasm would happen. She had read about it, of course, and she had partaken in certain solo ministrations. But nothing had felt like this. This was an out-of-body experience — a spiritual one even.

"Carlisle, baby," she whispered. "I need you. I-I need to feel you inside me."

The man wore a toothy grin, the devil flashing in his eyes. His hand reached for the bedside table, pulling out a silver wrapper from it. Spencer followed his movement, laughter slowly building up in her throat.

"Why would we need that?" Spencer chuckled as she propped herself up by her elbows. "It's not like you could get me pregnant."

"I am a doctor, darling," he smirked. "I've got to lead by example."

Without another question, Carlisle slipped the sleeve on. Not that a vampire like him would need it. Nevertheless, he felt it was his medical moral duty to wear one. Carlisle aligned himself with her entrance with one hand, placing the other gingerly on her cheek. His eyes glazed over with love and adoration, and his lips whispered a kiss onto hers.

"Are you ready?" He asked tenderly. Carlisle knew her body was prepared, but he wanted to make sure her mind was. He waited until Spencer shyly nodded, responding with a sweet smile. "Alright, my love."

In one move his cock glided into her, fitting inside to the hilt on the first try. Spencer let out a strangled cry, feeling completely full. Her wetness swallowed him perfectly, aiding his member as he slid in and out. It did not take long for Carlisle to find the right rhythm, pumping in and out of the moaning woman, his experience clearly showing.

Spencer startled the man when, in one fell swoop, she flipped him onto the bed and placed herself on top. Carlisle was surprised at the strength she had shown by changing their positions. She was reaching areas she did not know were there.

Carlisle placed his ice-cold hands on her hips, stabilizing her body as she rode him to their climaxes. He was enthralled by the view – how her breasts jumped, how her nails tried to dig into his chest, how her head fell back in pleasure, how her mouth let out the most enchanting sounds. She was the perfect view, the only one he ever wanted to look upon.

"Fuck, baby," she moaned. "I'm close."

"Just hold on for a little more," Carlisle whispered. "I'm almost there."

He started meeting her jumps by pushing his hips upward, hitting her up to the hilt. Spencer could not help the sounds spilling out of her throat now, every movement was sending electric spurts through her body, not being able to feel Carlisle's cold anymore.

Spencer had dreamt of this moment. She was completely connected to the man she loved, giving herself, body and soul, to him. It felt like the answer to a prayer she had no idea she had made. Carlisle was the answer to all of her most inner desires.

Picking up the pace, and an agonizing hold on her hips that would definitely bruise, Spencer guided them to the peak of ecstasy. Each of them screamed out the other's name like it was the most beautiful song they had ever heard.

She collapsed onto him, using his body to bring her temperature down. Carlisle wrapped his arms around her, holding her as close as humanly possible. He breathed in her scent; it was different after the momentous occasion they had just shared.

They basked in the silence of the house, the silence of the moment. Until Carlisle broke the auditory void. He asked, "How do you feel?"

"Like never before," Spencer smiled. Her breathing was still staggered, working hard to stabilize itself after that cardio workout. "Can't believe we waited this long to do that."

"It happened when it needed to," he chuckled. "Now, you should probably rest."

"O~or," she grinned. "I could go for a round two if you can."

"You don't have to ask me twice."

As they kissed again, Spencer could not help but commit the moment to her memory. She was in love, she was happy, and there was nothing in the world that could take that away.