*Annabell’s POV

    “So uhh why am I tagging along as the only guy? Where’s Emmett?” Asked Peter when we were already in the third store and even though we did find a few awesome pieces of clothes for me as Rose put it, I still didn’t find THE dress.

    “Emmett didn’t come along because of me, right?” I piped up, while putting on a long velvet dress that nicely hugged my body. They felt perfect. I hoped that they also looked good on me. Which is precisely why I had Peter come with us. To tell me if Jasper would like them too.

    “That is nonsense, Ann. No, my dear husband told me that unless we’re shopping for my nightwear, he’ll rather stay home and play games.” Countered Rosalie with a sigh. “And you are here, because Annabell wanted your help to pick a dress for Jasper’s…” Rose trailed off when I stepped out of the changing room.

    “These feel great.” I commented. “Do they look alright?” I asked uncertain but hopeful as I slowly turned around to present the dress to them.

    “Wow.” They both breathed out. “Alright? They’re amazing!” Exclaimed Rose, coming closer and lifting my hair. “With an updo. Definitely. He won’t be able to keep his hands off of you.” She giggled.

    “Damn Annie, you really did grow up!” Said Peter sounding amazed. “Rosalie is right.” He chuckled.

    “What did I tell you? He’d probably like you in anything but I’m sure you’ll quickly end up with nothing on, after he sees you in this dress.” Teased me Rose and I blushed, thinking about this morning. “But…” Started Rose again thoughtfully. “We need to find you a matching pair of shoes.” I bit my lip. I was wearing my boots again. Obviously, I couldn’t wear them with the dress.

    “I never wore heels though. Thin ones at least.” I had a pair of leather boots with high heels, but I wore them once a year for school photo shoots as I always got pushed to the back by other girls and mom complained that I’m barely visible there. When mom was still alive, anyway. Because since I was alone, I didn’t care for school pictures. “You’re not alone anymore..” I heard Jasper’s words again and smiled. Maybe, I’d like to have a picture taken again. For him to keep. Crossed my mind.

    “Earth to Annabell...” I finally registered Rosalie’s impatient voice, bringing me out of my daydreaming.

    “Sorry.” I gave her an apologetic smile, feeling my cheeks warmer once more. “What were you saying?”

    “That there are various options. Let’s go try some out and you’ll see, which feels ok to you.” Explained Rose and helped me back to the changing room.

*

    “By the way. Please, do me a favor and try to not kill Emmett. For I know he will want to spar with you again.” Laughed Rosalie while she picked a few pairs of shoes from the shelves for me to try on.

    “I’m really sorry about yesterday. I didn’t want to hurt anyone…” A cold shiver ran down my spine. If Jasper didn’t step in, Emmett would be dead. “I don’t think I will fight with anyone for a while.” I needed to practice and I wasn’t about to risk anyone’s life until I was sure it won’t happen again.

    “I’m glad it turned out the way it did and I know you didn’t mean for it to happen. I’m just giving you heads up because Emmett loves to play with danger. That is how I found him…” Rosalie’s voice turned nostalgic. “You’ll hear him make a joke about going to wrestle with a bear sooner or later. That is how he came to be a vampire. I found him in a forest fighting off a bear.” I gasped. “Needless to say, he didn’t fare well. But something in his face made me carry him all the way home for Carlisle to save him. Then I realized we were mates.”

    Rose handed me the shoes and I was trying one pair after another, trying to walk around in them. “Anyway, he really likes to play with bears and hunt them since. He also never missed a chance to challenge Jasper, because he knows how strong Jasper is. Em is always looking for excitement in a fight and the more dangerous it is, the more fun he finds it.” She sighed. “And even though you didn’t want to, you kinda got on his list of favourite opponents.”

    I laughed nervously. “Ok, I’ll be careful. Umm… these feel good. They are quite comfortable to walk in too.” The shoes I was currently wearing seemed to be made of leather like Mary Janes but didn’t have a completely round front and they had almost three inches high and an inch wide heel. There was also a thin strap, providing me with more confidence to walk in them. Even if I were to trip, I wouldn’t lose a shoe.

    “Perfect, they do look great.” Agreed Rosalie, happily.

    “I liked the last ones better, though.” Commented Peter.

    “Pete, I needed your help with the dress. This is my legs we’re talking about now. No way I’m wearing stilettos to end up with a damn cast again.” I muttered.

    “Right, like you have ever had trouble with balance.” He laughed.”Alright, these do look good too.” He gave in when I made a face. “You know, it’s kinda funny that you two were born on the same day. Even though it was two hundred and thirty years apart.” I froze in shock. My birthday… Did I seriously push it so far in my mind that I forgot…? “Ann?”

    Peter’s cool hand on my arm brought me back. “It’s nothing.” I attempted a smile. I knew he didn’t believe me, but he didn’t press me either. “I suppose we have everything now. I’m ready to go home.”

    To my displeasure, these two didn’t let me pay for anything except for my gift for Jasper. And only after I threatened them both with running off without them if they try to pay for it. To which Peter started pleading with me to not do that, because Jasper would kill him. I wouldn’t really, but it served its purpose nicely.

    Rose promised to ‘kidnap’ me and do my hair when the day comes and I left the dress with her, so it stayed a surprise for Jasper.

*Jasper’s POV

    Like I thought. The rain washed everything. If there were any traces anywhere before last night, they were gone now. The sun was slowly starting its journey back down to the horizon when I decided to head back. Peter greeted me outside of the house . “Yo, found something?”

    “Nah. If there was anything to find, the rain washed it away.” I told him, slightly annoyed. “So, what were you doing and why was I excluded?” I was curious. Annabell with Rosalie refused to tell me anything.

    “They tortured me-” He started, putting on a terrified expression when he was interrupted.

    “Don’t you tell him a word, Pete!” Appeared Annabell in the door, cutting him off and frowning. She had her hair pulled in a high ponytail and was wearing black leggings, black tank top and light sneakers. It was an unusual look for her, but she was sexy as hell.

    “Welcome home.” I pulled her to me. “You look great, angel.”

    “I swear she’s just as dangerous as you.” Laughed Peter before leaving.

    “Tell Char thank you for letting us borrow you!” Called Annabell after him.

    “What was he talking about?” I asked her. “Did you threaten him with a mark again?” I couldn’t help but chuckle.

    “No. That I’d slip away on my own.” She answered right away and then bit her lip, realizing what she said. A quiet growl vibrated at the back of my throat. “I mean… I did say that, but didn’t mean to do it.” She quickly continued.

    “Why would you do that?” I wasn’t completely convinced she didn’t mean it.

    “They wouldn’t let me pay for myself. At least for-” She stopped, obviously nearly saying something else she didn’t want me to know. “...I wanted to pay at least for one thing myself. But they wouldn’t budge unless I pulled some serious threat.” She was a little ashamed and guilty. I believed her and was curious about what was so important that she had to buy it herself. Nevertheless, I saw that she wouldn’t tell me so I didn’t pressure her by asking.

    “I see. So… what’s up with the outfit?” I inquired, running my fingers along her exposed waist, since her tank top was short. She looked like she was on a mission when she showed up in the door earlier.

    She blushed, catching my hands. “I… was hoping you’d help me with my training. Please?” Biting on her lip again, she looked hopeful. “You are the only one I can ask. I don’t want to kill anyone by accident.” Admitted Annabell, hanging her head.

    After yesterday she wouldn't believe if I told her that she won’t kill anyone, so I just lifted her head and pecked her on her nose. “Of course, love. Don’t worry about it anymore. Emmett’s fine.” I reassured her.

    “Only thanks to you, though.” Annabell caressed my neck and took a hold of my hand. “Shall we?”

*

    Shortly after we started, she scolded me for going easy on her. Reminder of her recent injuries didn’t have any effect either so I did as she asked. It was like when she fought Emmett. She seemingly easily kept attacking me while efficiently defending herself. However whenever I saw she wouldn’t be able to evade my attack, I stopped my fist myself, rather than letting her exhaust herself by blocking the blow with her shield. Didn’t take long for her to complain about it too. Thankfully she didn’t know I still wasn’t fighting her on one hundred percent, though.

    Frustrated, she made a high kick and instead of getting out of the way this time, I caught her leg and pulled her to me while caressing her calf. Her leggings were tight and I couldn't help myself. Annabell gasped and her other knee buckled underneath her. Swiftly reaching down and taking her into my arms before she’d fall I laughed. “Sorry. You’re just too irresistible, angel.” Still panting a little, she blushed and put her arms around my neck. “I think that’s enough for one day, though. You should take it slow. Let’s not repeat…”

    I didn’t finish it but Annabell understood, feeling slightly guilty. “You’re right. Let’s go home, I’m starving.” She admitted when I set her down and we walked to the house hand in hand.

    When we cleaned after her dinner, I swept her back into my arms and carried her upstairs. Setting her down in the bathroom I started to slowly undress her like when she was hurt. Surprisingly she cooperated as I was taking off her top. After a moment she remembered. “Ummm… Jay, what are you doing? I can do it myself now.” She was confused when I took off her pants and she blushed.

    “I told you, didn't I?” I said while taking my shirt off and leaned closer to her ear. “You healed, so now comes the spoiling.” Reaching around her to take off her bra, I put teasing aside. “I can tell how tired you are. I said to take it slow but we still overdid it today. Let me do this for you.” She was constantly in danger and she deserved to be spoiled a little.

    Annabell suddenly embraced me. “Thank you.” She whispered.

*

    Annabell was half asleep before we even finished in the bathroom. I layed her gently in her bed in her bathrobe. She didn’t protest nor did she look like she could muster energy to change into anything else anymore. When I tried to step away, she caught my hand. “Where are you going?” Her sleepy voice was barely above whisper.

    “I gotta stop by our house and change. Peter is already outside, I’ll be back soon.” I reassured her, and carefully freed my hand. When I leaned down to kiss her before leaving she mumbled again.

    “You should bring some clothes here so you can shower with me.” When she realized what she said, her voice gained a tad more energy. “Here, I mean you can shower here.” She corrected herself, making me chuckle.

    “Alright angel. So just for tonight again, good night my love.” I whispered and kissed her temple.

    “Tell Peter to come on Saturday morning. I want to play hide and seek.” I heard her mumble once more before jumping outside.