Chapter 1

First time

EPOV:

Bored.

My new favorite word for this year is bored. I am bored to death.

Literally. Since I no longer have a heart beat nor did I need to breathe for
almost a century now. Exactly a 108 years, 4 months and 24 days had
passed since I last felt my blood course through my veins, since I felt the
warmth that my racing pulse had caused, since I‘ve considered myself
normal, since I was human. I was born in London, England in 1901. My
father, William Masen, worked in a mine field and my mother, Elizabeth
Masen, was a housewife, I had two older sisters, one of whom was
engaged to be married and the other was 2 years older than me. Olivia
and Sarah. I don’t remember them much, but I distinctively remember my
mother’s face. She was a beautiful woman, her brilliant green eyes with
her long vivid bronze hair. I never forgot her; she was constantly
invading my mind, her eyes, her hair, her pink cheeks, and her porcelain
skin. I remember every detail. On the other hand, I remember nothing of
my father. I saw only his picture. And as for my sisters, I only see vague
memories of them, but never as clear as my mother‘s. I don’t remember
much of my human life, all I remember is my last moments, a few
flickers here and there, but nothing really clear. My human memories are
very much clouded, like seeing through a smudged window or through a
murky weather.

But the one memory I remember clearly as if it just happened yesterday

rather than years ago, is the one memory I would kill to forget. The one
memory that would always haunt me. The memory of my ending.
It was my last human year for me. I was seventeen then. A normal
teenager with energy and ambition. All I thought I had was my future
ahead of me. But I was utterly wrong.

It was a very quite night. Nothing unusual. My mother was restless

though, she was pacing back and forth in anxiety. My father tried to calm
her, ease her tension by saying that nothing was wrong. But all in vain. In
fact, it got even worse. She started asking my father to check if there was
someone outside. To his displeasure but seeking my mother’s comfort he
did as she asked. She told him to take the shotgun with him, just in case.

It was too quite after my father took his gun and went out, all I could hear
was my mother’s racing panicked gasps and my sisters calming murmurs
to ease my mother‘s distress.

Then suddenly our calm, quite night was flipped into a nightmarish hell.
Everything was happening so fast at that I wasn't even sure if it was
reality or if I fell asleep and began to dreaming. I heard a number of
sounds in mere seconds.

Three shots were heard from a distance. My mother’s scream. My sisters

panicked shrieks. And my father’s piercing cries.

I was still trying to fathom what had just happened, when, yet again,
everything went silent. My mother was in shock. My sisters were very
still but still their faces were set on the same petrified expression. And my
father’s cries were silenced.

I saw every movement, heard every sound, and smelled every scent.
Everything was still. Too still. My heart was pounding so loud I could
barely hear the light footsteps on our front porch. And the air was thick
with a sickening metallic scent.

And then I saw them.

They were moving I was sure they were, but they looked like they were
carved from stone. Four of them. Two men and two women. They were
too pale. Their eyes were all shades of red. Crimson, scarlet, burgundy,
and one of them, a male, had pitched black eyes that almost looked like
grave.

I stared at them, part in awe and part in terror.

They looked dangerous. They were clearly terrifying. But I couldn't bring
myself to care at that moment; for I was standing in front of probably the
most stunning creatures who ever walked the earth.

They looked exactly the same, yet very different at the same time. The
first one was a girl, probably my age, maybe older, her long black hair set
an extreme contrast to her pale-white skin, her eyes were glowing red, her
lips were red and full, and she had a face and a body of a goddess. She
was followed by a man who looked like he was in his mid twenties, he
had the same black hair but it was cropped short sticking out in every
direction, his eyes were also red but deeper not as glowing, he was tall
and well built, his features, though they looked flawless, were set on a
grimace. The other man was the most menacing looking of them all. He
looked like he was the oldest one of them, he had strands of white hair,
his posture was rigid and hostile, his face was crumbled in a scowl, his
lips were curled up to show his glistening teeth, he was the one with the
grave looking eyes, his clothes were in shreds, he looked outraged and
animalistic. The last girl was as beautiful as the other, she seemed the
youngest of them all, her features looked more child-like, she looked
younger than me, her hair barley touching her shoulders, her eyes were
the same reddish color, but what caught my eye the most was that she
looked perfectly at ease, her face was calm, her red eyes looked lazy, she
almost seemed … bored.

I was still gazing at them when I noticed a visible movement in all their
postures. They were all crouching and looking pointedly at us except for
the female with the black hair. She was standing straight up, looking at
me. I tried my best to focus on the others, but I was frozen. I couldn't
move an inch. And then I was stunned when she started moving towards
me. But I wasn't the only one. They all looked at her in confusion. She
stopped right in front of me, and looked into my eyes, I was still unable to
move, and I couldn't even look away from her. The corners of her mouth
lifted. She was smiling.
“Interesting” she said still looking intently at me, “His gifts could have
been useful if we weren't intending to have him for dinner.” She said
casually.

Chills ran up and down my back. Dinner? I was dinner? It was clear that
they were not humans that they could pass for angels if it wasn't for their
scowls and their red eyes. They were going to kill me. They were going
to kill my family. My father … they killed him.

Fear.

Agony.

Anger.

Revenge.

“Do we have to kill him?” She asked.

“There are only four of them; you already had one outside, now it’s our
turn.” The black haired man stated.

“But you will still have three; we don’t have to kill him.” She urged.

“I’m thirsty, and I’m sure I’m going to need more than one to satisfy my
need.” The oldest man disagreed calmly though his face was anything but
calm.

“Please. I promise we won't regret this one.” she pleaded.

“Are you sure?” The girl with the brown hair asked.

“Yes, absolutely.” She finalized.

“Fine.” The oldest man growled, “I don’t know what your game is, but
you owe me another human.” he grunted.

The woman standing in front of me grinned widely. Then looked back at

me.

“You are going to be a very strong vampire, I know it.” She smiled at me.

Vampire? It all clicked then.

Pale skin, red eyes, thirst, extreme beauty, and perfection. They were
vampires. And I was going to be one of them. Forcefully.

“No!” I yelled. This can’t happen. I won’t become one of them. I won’t
watch them kill my family one by one and then join them. I would rather
die. “No!” I said again.

They all looked at me wide eyed. My mother and sisters were shaking
from fear. I won’t let them hurt my family. Not without a fight.

“What?” The blond haired woman asked. Surprised. Annoyed.

“You will not harm my family.” I said threateningly.

“Or what?” The black haired man asked sarcastically.

I lunged at him then. I raised my fist in the air meaning to punch him in
his face.

Crunch.

“AAAHHH” I screamed in agony. His ice cold hand was holding my now
broken fist in a bone shattering grip.

“No. Please don’t hurt him. Please …” my mother’s pleadings were

replaced by her cries. My sisters were shocked with tears falling down
their faces.

“Run. Get out of here. Jus-AAAHHH” my orders blended with my cries

when he squeezed my hand in his.

“Enough.” The brown haired girl demanded.

He released me instantly and I fell to the ground holding my broken hand

to my chest in pain.

“You are a brave young man.” She was suddenly at my side, “What is
your name?” she asked me.

I didn't respond.

“May I see your hand?” She asked reaching out to touch my broken
bones. I flinched trying to stay away from her. “I won’t hurt you.” She
said sincerely still reaching out.
“Stay away from me.” I demanded but my voice broke.

She stood up and walked away towards my mother.

“No. Don’t touch her. Stay away from them.” I cried.

“I won’t harm them.” She said not even looking my way.

“That is one brave son you’ve got there.” She complimented.

My mother didn't move. Her pained and anguished eyes were locked on
mine. Tears streaming down her face.

“What is his name?” She asked hoping she would get the answer from
her.

No response.

“I don’t like being ignored.” She threatened her.

Still nothing.

She moved forward. “What is his NAME?” She nearly screamed.

My mother flinched from her menacing tone, but just kept on ignoring
her not bothering to answer her question.

She then grabbed my mother’s neck and lifted her off the floor with no
effort at all. My mother started to struggle, gasping for air.

I got up off the floor. “NO, STOP. LEAVE HER-” I stopped mid
sentence when I heard the most sickening sound.

Crack.

My mother’s body went limp. Her face expressionless. She was dead. She
killed her.

“NO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” My sister screamed

“Mother.” My other sister whispered.

I was frozen in place. Looking at my mother’s lifeless body in the

monster’s hand.
She carefully laid her down. And then turned to look at me with a
disapproving look on her face.

“She wouldn't have died if you just answered my simple question.” She
said “Well, not instantly at least.” she corrected herself.

I couldn't believe my eyes. I tried to blink more than once to force the
image of my dead mother away, to wake up, and tell myself that this was
all just a terrible dream, that this wasn't real.

But it was.

I wasn't asleep, and I wasn't dreaming. This was real. My father, and now
my mother.

“Just stop, please don’t hurt us.” My sister begged after a long moment of
silence, her voice breaking.

“Oh, I promise you she didn't suffer. It was swift and painless.” she told
my sister assuming that, by this being said, it would comfort her and
reassure her that it wasn't a big deal.

A sob escaped my sister’s sealed lips.

“Kill me, but don’t … just leave them alone.” My eyes still glued to my
mother’s still form on the floor, trying with everything that I have to save
my sisters lives, but I have nothing but my own. I can’t afford to lose
both my sisters as well. I won’t bare it.

She turned around slowly to face me. I lifted my eyes from my mother‘s
body to meet hers, “Do whatever you want with me, but let my sisters be.
I’m begging you.” tears flowing down my face.

Her expression took me by surprise, I expected petty or perhaps a hint of

amusement, but I didn't expect to see pain.

She looked at my face for a minute before she spoke again “Take him
outside.” she ordered them. “I don’t want him to see this.”

My sisters’ cries increased. It took me a minute to understand what she

has just said.
“No. NO! … Please. Don’t do this. Kill me, not them. Please. No.” I
started sobbing unable to control my shaking. The blond female started
pushing me outside. I started to struggle against her stone arms but her
hands were made of steal. I couldn't get past her. “No! NO! Stop! …”

“Edward. NO! Where are you taking him? … No … Don’t leave. Help
us, please.” my sisters voices were panicked, frightened and … somehow
hopeless.

I tried harder to get to them but I couldn't, I was helpless.

“Olivia!” I shouted for my oldest sister. “Sarah! No. NO. Stop. You can’t
do this. N-” my protests were silenced by a cold hand that covered my
mouth and muffled my voice.

I was still kicking in the air, trying to get free from her arms that were
now locked around my shoulders, disabling me.

My sister’s screams were cutting through me like a thousand knives and

burning me alive. I kicked harder, punched as hard as I can, but only got
my good hand and my elbows bruised, and she didn't even flinch.

And then it stopped.

Silence. No screaming. No cries. Nothing. Just my ragged breathing and

sobs. Nothing. They’re gone. All of them. My parents, my sisters. My
family. My world. Gone.

It was even worse than hearing the gunshots outside the house. Worse
than hearing my father’s cries in the distance. Worse than hearing my
bones as they shatter. Worse than hearing my mother’s frantic sobs,
panicked shrieks, and breathless whimpers before she died. Worse than
hearing the sickening sound of her neck being snapped. Worse than
hearing my sisters calling out for my help, hearing their terrified and
hopeless screams while I was bound to hear them and not move.

It was hell. I was in hell.

“Finally.” The blond monster that was holding me in a bone crushing grip
muttered to the other monsters that finished killing my family. One after
the other. They were now standing at our door frame. My door frame.
Mine. Alone.
“They were very loud and defensive to one another. Pretty impressive I
might say.” the oldest beast replied. Smiling. His eyes now a deep rich
red color rather than black.

I shuddered.

“Satisfied?” The blond monster asked him casually.

“No. But enough for me to last a few days without drinking.” he winked
at her.

“Well, that’s a relief.” The dark haired animal said.

“Silence.” The youngest monster ordered in a stern voice. “Listen.” She

stared at nothing. I noticed that every one of them had done the same.
They were concentrating. That’s when I noticed that I was holding my
breath, not remembering why. Anticipation? Fear? Or did I just forget?

“Someone’s coming.” The blond female broke the silence. “Not a

human.” I sighed in relief; at least I wouldn't have to see another innocent
person die in front of my eyes again. “Not a vampire either.” She frowned
in either concentration or frustration, I couldn't tell.

“No.” The brown haired girl gasped.

“What? What is it?” the dark haired man was suddenly by her side.

No answer.

“Hillary?” The oldest one called her. Hillary? A feminine name like that
could not suit such a monster.

“Werewolves.” Hillary chocked out.

They were all frozen. Their faces were, if possible, paler. They were …
afraid?

And then it sank in.

Werewolves? Wasn't it enough for this world to have one type of

monsters in it? Now there are two types of monsters? Vampires AND
werewolves? Was it possible that every mythical monster is real? Why?
“Run!” Hillary roared making every one jump. “Now. Run. Get out of
here.” she ordered her voice getting louder by the second.

“What about him?” The blond female asked.

Oh God please let them kill me.

“Bite him.” Hillary commanded.

“What?” Four gasps, including mine, asked in shock. In my case, just

pure horror.

“Bite him. Now. Before it’s too late. They’ll be here in 2 minutes.” She
started to shout again.

That’s when I felt her teeth penetrating my skin.

I cried out in agony. My heart raced, both in fear and shock.

Stop. I wanted to choke out but I couldn't, only cries and sobs were
uttered breaking the silence and echoing in the dark night.

Then I felt some change.

Heat.

Burning.

Fire.

I was feeling fire. My neck was burning me. I was on fire.

I didn't notice that I was on the ground until I opened my eyes and saw
the dark sky right in front of me. No fire. No light. No one was standing
by me. Wasn't she biting me? I lifted my hand and touched my neck, I felt
the wound, and a circle was formed from the monster’s teeth. But there
was no fire. Just pain. The pain was unendurable. I looked around me,
trying to find the monsters that did this to me, to ask them to stop the fire,
to beg them to kill me.

No one was there.

I searched in the darkness for any sign of movement. But I saw nothing.
They were gone. They left me here to die. Slowly.
I thought I was going to lose my voice because I was yelling at the top of
my lungs. Unable to stop neither the pain nor the screams.

It could have been hours. It could have been minutes. It could have been
mere seconds but I wouldn't have known. The pain extinguished any
coherent thought in my mind. I lost track of time. I lost track of
everything. I didn't know where I was. I couldn't remember or think of
anything but the pain that I was enduring right now.

More time passed. Still no change. I tried to stay silent but I couldn't. I
tried to call for help but no one responded. I tried to let it pass but it just
wouldn't end. I tried to think around the pain, to remember anything, to
think of anything that could distract me from this endless excruciating
death.

I started remembering my mother’s face, my father’s voice when he was

joking or being serious, my older sister in her pink dress, my eldest
sister’s face when she was trying on her wedding dress and showing off
her sparkling engagement ring, the feeling of my parent’s embrace
whenever I needed them, my own face in the mirror.

My hands started to cool. And the fire started to fade. No. To retreat. It
was retreating to my chest. To my heart.

My heart pounded so fast I thought it would crack my rips and break out
of my chest. My breathing was shallow and fast. The fire was fighting
against my racing heart. But they were both losing.

This was it.

I was going to die.

Finally.

I would see my family in just a few moments. Just a few more beats from
my worn out heart and it’s over.

My screams turned to whimpers. And I started to hear things that I

thought I could never hear.

Low whispers of birds preening their feathers in the treetops, the leaves,
and branches scraping together as the wind swayed them, the faint
clicking of ants following each other in a long line near my ears. It was
incredible.

The fire was extinguished as my heart thumped its last beat and my
whimpers ceased.

It was over.

I wanted to open my eyes to see where I was. To see my family. To see

my father’s kind face, to feel my mother’s tender touch, to hear my
sister’s laughs. And so I opened my eyes.

I gasped.

Everything was so clear. Every dust mote. Every breath I took and
breathed out caused the dust to swirl around in circles as if it were
dancing. I took a deep breath and smelt a number of things at once. Moss,
dirt, dust, metal, rain, and something that tasted warm and sweet through
the air, it tickled the back of my throat, burning slightly. Everything was
so bright. There was no light anywhere near me, but every detail of every
tree, every plant, every fly, and every rock was defined as if I was seeing
it right in front of me in broad day light.

I sat up. And the dust motes whirled with the movement in synch. It was
so beautiful.

I focused on what’s ahead of me.

That’s when a very blurred and dimmed memory snapped me back into
reality.

The house. My house was in front of me. The field. Our field was
surrounding me. I looked around me, not wanting to see the faces of these
monsters again. Wanting to see my family. Where were they? Shouldn't
they be greeting me? Maybe they are inside the house.

I got up off the moist ground. It must have rained. That was odd. But
maybe that was best. Maybe it rained so I would live my life with my
loving family exactly how it should have been in life before I died.
I walked over to our front porch. The door was open. They were greeting
me. I swung it open. Elated, I started calling for my family, missing every
single one of them.

"Mother, Father, Olivia, Sarah I’m ho-" I stopped mid-sentence when I

saw my slaughtered mother and both my sisters on the floor.

“Edward?” was snapped out of my reminiscence by my sister, Alice.

“Hmm?” Was all I replied.

“Are you okay?” She asked me, worried.

“Yes. I was just … thinking, that’s all.” I tried to smile, to reassure her
that I was fine. Though I wasn't.

“About?” She pressed.

“Nothing important. Just random stuff.” couldn't she just let it go?

“You know it’s very rude of you not telling me what you're thinking
when you know what I think about 24/7.” She pouted.

“I try not to disturb your privacy. I maintain a good block against your
mind and everyone else‘s. It’s tiring, but it’s the only thing that I could
do.” I reminded her.

“Humph. Fine.” she grunted. “You ready?” She asked

“For what?” I asked, confused by her questions.

She looked at me like I had three heads. “School. You forgot?” she asked
me, nearly furious.

Oh. School. Our own little act to stay inconspicuous and maintain our
human appearance for as long as possible and then move on to another
sunless country.

“I’ll be ready in a minute, Alice.” I told her.

“30 seconds and counting.” She corrected me.

I sighed and went to my room to change.

Alice has been my sister for almost 60 years. Well, we are not actually
related but I do consider her as my own sister. She reminded me so much
of Olivia and her kindness with a pinch of Sarah with her stubbornness.

I joined Carlisle Cullen - my vampire father, whom I consider a dear

friend and an older brother and sometimes a real father - a few years after
my transformation. He was on the same diet as I was. He only drank
animal’s blood, never in his life had he drank human’s blood, so I joined
him.

I never drank human’s blood either, it is fairly difficult to live among

humans, communicate with them, and try the best we can to be like them.
It becomes very tempting at times. But then I remind myself of what had
happened to my family, that’s mainly what snaps me back and wills me
to react differently - normally - around humans.

Esme - my vampire mother who reminds me immensely of my own

mother - joined us soon after. She has been regretting every single life
that she has taken in order to satisfy her thirst that she literally began to
save lives instead. She works as a nurse with Carlisle who has worked as
a doctor since he was human.

Rosalie was next to join the small family, but she wasn't a vampire.
Carlisle changed her after he found her in the hospital. I argued with him
about this, I told him that he shouldn't force someone into living like us.
Like monsters. Especially if there’s no turning back. But he ignored me,
and changed her anyways. Rosalie was surprisingly glad to have joined
us. She said she always believed in mythical stories, but she never proved
it to be true. Plus she liked the way she looked after her transformation.

And then came Alice. Imagine someone who walks into your life with
utter ease, says we would love her, and the future holds eventful events to
this family. That is exactly what Alice did. She practically adopted us.

Every vampire brings something of their strongest human traits with them
into the next life, where they are intensified — like our minds, and our
senses. So Alice had some sort of premonition in her human life, and
after she was transformed, that sense intensified and so she was able to
see the future based on the decisions that people make.
I, on the other hand, must have been very sensitive to the thoughts of the
people around me that, after I became a vampire, I began to read people’s
minds and hear their thoughts, but only what they would be thinking of.

Then came Jasper - my vampire brother who I consider the best brother I
could have ever asked for - Alice saw him in her future. So she decided to
go look for him. Three days later, they were announced engaged, but only
our family knew. We wouldn't want the people to think that we were
outlandish. More than we were at least.

Jazz has a very interesting gift. He can manipulate people’s emotion and
he would feel what they would feel. For that reason, Jazz stopped
drinking human’s blood, not wanting to feel fear, pain, and terror from
whoever he killed. And when Alice came to the rescue, he promised both
her and himself that he would never kill a human again.

Emmett - my second vampire brother, who I really care for, and

sometimes consider him, despite his huge size, only a child - was the last
one to join. Rosalie was hunting a little far from us when she found him.
He was attacked by a bear and left to die. Rosalie couldn't leave him
there, so she took him to Carlisle to change him. He soon after became
Rosalie’s mate. His main target in life is “Hunt every Grizzly down”. So
he never got the chance to drink human’s blood.

I got dressed quickly, chuckling to myself as I remembered the hunting

trips that mostly turned disastrous because of Emmett. I went down the
stairs in nearly 30 seconds. Just as Alice predicted.

“Let’s go people. We’re gonna be late for school if we don’t move now.
C’mon.” Alice yelled before she sprinted out the front door.

We now live in Forks, Washington. One of the most cloudy, rainy and
cold towns in America. So it suited us. Since the sunlight makes it
difficult for us to travel in the day, but not for the usual mythical reasons.

The venom changes our systems as it courses through our veins during
our transformation, it makes them stronger. Our skin has very minute
particles. It is very defined and strong like marble and as smooth as silk,
sort of like a shield. When the sun casts its beams on our skin, it sparkles.
Like tiny diamonds. So in order to keep our existence as vampires a
secret and to live as normal as possible, we prefer to live in cloudy areas
where the sun rarely shines.

Forks seemed to be the perfect place for that.

“Emmett, I swear if you don’t get your butt down this minute, I will tell
Rosalie something that she wouldn't want to know.” Alice threatened
menacingly from the car. We all heard her. Even Rosalie.

Emmett was down in a flash. His hair a little disheveled. I blocked his
thoughts because I didn't want to know why.

Rosalie ran down the stairs soon after. Her clothes are a little wrinkled
but other than that she was perfect.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Rosalie mumbled as she strode past me.
“Aren't you coming?” She asked me before she went out the door.

I huffed and shuffled towards the door. Eyes on the floor, shoulders
hunched.

This is going to be a long day.

I got into my Volvo, Em was in his Jeep, Rose was starting her red
Mercedes and Alice, and Jasper rode in Alice’s new yellow Porsche that I
got her for Christmas.

We arrived at school, parked our cars, and got out. We were being
watched by possibly every eye as we went to our separate classes. My
adopted siblings could have seen the stares, but I was attacked by their
thoughts.

“Oh my God. Who are they?”

“She is … and the other one is … wow!”

“This is just so unfair. They all look perfect.”

“I wonder if they’re related.”

“I wonder if they’re dating.”

“Are they together?”

“I wish I had a body like hers.”

“Wow that dude is huge.”

They went on and on none stop. Scrutinizing every movement and

gawking at us like we were aliens. I can’t blame them though, in a way,
we are aliens.

“Hi.” A short girl with curly blond hair stepped in front of me. “I’m
Jessica.” She introduced herself.

I smiled at her - trying to be polite - and started walking again.

“What’s your name?” She asked trying to keep her pace with me.

“Edward Cullen.” I replied shortly.

“Wow. His face is so … pale. But he is gorgeous.”

“Where are you from?” She asked.

“Nowhere in particular.” I lied, not wanting to draw out more questions

from her. “I and my family move a lot.” I explained.

“Hmm. Where is your next class?”

“Maybe I could show him the way. Please be English. Please. Please.
Please …”

“Algebra with Mr. Ronald.” I was grateful that I had a different class than
hers. Her thoughts imply that she isn't going to stop talking any time
soon.

“Oh. Okay. Well, I’ll see you later then.” she smiled and waved.
“Damn. Well, maybe I would see him at lunch. Maybe he would
introduce me to the others. Maybe …”

I tuned out her thoughts and everyone else’s until they were like a buzz in
the back of my head.

I reached my class. Mr. Ronald introduced me to the students. I walked

down the aisle and took a seat beside a very quiet, shy girl. Her name was
Angela. Although she was interested, she didn't press for information
about me or my family. She just smiled and looked away. Trying to give
me some privacy.

“He seems … nice. Quite. But nice. I hope he likes Forks. I wonder what
Bella would think of him. Huh, they could be related, they look so much
alike.”

Her thoughts were cut short when Mr. Ronald called for the class’s
attention. I wondered uninterestedly who that Bella person would be.
Must be someone as nice as Angela. Perhaps her friend.

The class was boring so I stopped paying attention, already knowing

“Pride and Prejudice” like the back of my hand. Reading was the only
thing that I could do to occupy myself in the night. Listening to music
was something that I was very fond of too. I composed music peaces and
played the piano for several years, but I stopped after a while. I just lost
my interest in composing and playing. Esme was very sad for quite some
time when I stopped playing.

As I drifted in my thoughts and memories, I heard faint music in the

distance. I cannot really identify the lovely peace but it was familiar
somehow. I listened harder, forgetting everything around me, and
concentrated. Where was this beautiful music coming from? I couldn't
quite locate where it was. Perhaps the second building.
The ring bell startled me, and the murmurs of the leaving students
covered the sound of the piano that it was nearly lost, but I kept on
listening. I got up from my chair and started walking towards the sound.

“Mr. Cullen.” I turned around to see who was calling me.

Oh, it was Mr. Stevens. My new history teacher.

“I believe your next class is in the opposite direction.” He stated.

“Oh. Yes, of course. Thank you Mr. Stevens.” I thanked him half-
heartedly and started walking to my next class.

When I settled down in my chair, I tried to relocate the music peace that I
was hearing earlier.

It was gone.

The students went silent listening to the teachers, the halls were empty,
and everything was semi-silent. But the music was gone.

I sighed, disappointed, and I idly started to wonder who would be playing

the piano with such impressive skills.

I tuned out the teachers voice, and tried to think of nothing. But then I
heard someone running in the hall - late for his or her class maybe - but
what caught my attention is that I didn't hear any racing heart beats. I
listened harder, but nothing. Just light quick footsteps across the hall.
Maybe it was one of my siblings. I started to concentrate on the thoughts
of whoever it was. But still nothing. I didn't hear anything. Just the light
steps. Nothing else. I was starting to get restless. Maybe someone was
blocking me, but usually when Alice tries to hide some new information
from me or anyone else really, they would distract themselves and their
thoughts by thinking of something else. Right now, I just heard nothing at
all.

Knock... Knock.

“Come in.” Mr. Stevens called out.

The door opens.

And then I saw her.

BPOV:

High school. Again.

I’m so sick and tired of repeating the same lessons and same routine all
over again.

I’ve been a vampire for about 7 years now. I’m still young but I’m fairly
controlled. I was changed when I was 17 years old. I was attacked by
another unknown vampire, he was supposed to drink me dry, but he
didn't. His venom spread through me and changed me. Inside and out. I
didn't know what was happening to me. I was … not me. I wandered
around for about 3 years, not knowing what to do but to feed on blood.
But I was lucky enough to feed on the blood of animals instead of
humans. I was hunting one day to quench my thirst when I finally met my
new family. My vampire family.

“Bella, get your behind down NOW! We’re going to be late as it is.” my
half-vampire-sister, Kayla, called out from downstairs.

“Alright, I’m coming.” I murmured. Knowing that she could hear me. I
huffed and looked one last time in the mirror. Nothing unusual. Same
paleness, same golden brown eyes, same boring brown hair, same blue
blouse, same black pants, and same blue sneakers that I wear every first
day at school. Kayla says it‘s the best outfit to blend in.

I huffed again and shuffled down the stairs.

“Do we really have to go? Do I really have to go?” I asked, already

knowing the answer but still hoping.

“Yes. Now please hurry up. Kayla is really getting pissed. Please.”
Michael, my vampire-brother who also happens to be Kayla’s mate,
pleaded. Fear clear in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes and quickened my pace.

“Thanks for making us late Bella.” Kayla grunted.

“Any time.” I replied grinning.

I got in my red Chevy truck as my siblings got in their Mercedes. I was

about to drive off when Renee, my vampire-mom, called for me.

“Take care of yourself Bella. And Kayla, please don’t give her a hard
time.” she was standing on our front porch Charlie, my vampire-dad, was
standing next to her with an amused smile on his face.

“Yes mother.” Kayla and I replied at the same time. I heard her low
snickering before she started her engine.

“I mean it Kayla.” Renee warned her, but she still kept on laughing.

And then we headed for school. I was already late for my first class so I
decided to go and play some music before I go to my history class. I
entered the music room and sat down on the piano. I ran my fingers
across the keys then started playing (Yiruma - when the love falls) and
then I played (Yiruma - do you) and then drifted to (Radiohead - pyramid
song) I got so indulged that I didn't notice the loud murmurs outside or
the ringing bell signaling the end of first period. I always lose track of
time when I’m playing the piano.

I got up, took my bag, and ran my way to class. Second period has
already started. Mr. Stevens is going to be pissed. Great.

I knocked lightly on the door.

“Come in.” I heard him call. I opened it slightly and peeked in and looked
around in the class room. Mr. Stevens was at his disk looking my way,
and so was every student in the class room.

I was just about to look back to Mr. Stevens when I saw him.

EPOV:

My eyes were practically out of their sockets. She was beyond beautiful.
She was perfect.

Her face.
Her wide eyes.

Her full lips.

Her brown hair.

Her Golden brown eyes.

Her Porcelain skin.

No heart beat.

Vampire.

Her eyes.

Animal’s blood.

Amazing.

I couldn't form coherent thoughts. All I could think of was how beautiful
she was.

Absolutely beautiful.

BPOV:

Vampire.

He is a vampire.

I focused on him. Listening. No heart beat - check. He’s pale - check. His
eyes were golden brown - check. Could he be feeding on animal’s blood?
Maybe he’s wearing contact lenses. No, they’re not contacts, they were
real. He is a vegetarian like me.

His brilliant disheveled bronze hair was a perfect match to his warm hazel
eyes. And then I focused on his face. He had a face of an angel. Of course
he would. But his face was very beautiful. Too beautiful. His wide eyes -
probably a mirror to my own - his straight nose, his angular jaw, his full
lips. He was perfect.
“Ahem.” Someone cleared his throat. Mr. Stevens.

Oh.

I didn't realize how long we’ve been staring at each other, everyone was
watching him and I.

“Sorry.” I blurted out. “My car broke down on my way here, so I had to
call my sister to come pick me up.” I heard a low gasp but I ignored it. I
looked at Mr. Stevens to see if he bought my lie.

“That’s alright Mrs. Swan. Take a seat.” he bought it.

I nodded, grateful that he was in a good mood today and looked for an
empty seat. But lucky me, the only empty seat was beside him.

I took a deep breath and walked to the seat. Trying my best not to look at
him. I reached my disk and sat down keeping my eyes down. I could feel
his eyes on me, but I tried to ignore him.

“Who are you?” He whispered so low and so fast that I didn't think that
he actually said anything.

I kept silent.

“Are there others?” He asked urgently with the same low whisper.

I didn't want to answer him without my siblings and my parents around.

So I didn't answer.

“How long have you been here?” He’s not going to give up. I sighed and
kept my voice as low as his.

“I am Isabella Swan. I have two siblings, Kayla and Michael. My parents

are Charlie and Renee. I’ve moved to Forks about a year ago. I started
school this year with my siblings. My father works at the police station
and my mother is a nurse at the hospital.” I have no idea why I told him
all the details. But it seemed to satisfy him. So I took my turn.

“Who are you?” I repeated his question.

“My name is Edward Cullen. I came here with my family. Alice, Jasper,
Rosalie, and Emmett are my siblings. Carlisle and Esme are my parents.
Esme is a nurse and Carlisle is a doctor and they both work at the hospital
together. I just moved to Forks a few days ago.” he replied swiftly. I was
shocked. 4 siblings? And his parents worked with my mother? Sure they
would have met by now.

“Do you only feed on animal’s blood?” He asked. Curiosity covering

every word.

“Yes.” I replied shortly “You?”

“Yes we do.” He answered softly.

I looked up to him for the first time since I walked in the classroom to
find him looking right back at me. Our eyes locked and I was lost in his
warm eyes.

Though I didn't need to, I couldn't breathe.

EPOV:

I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She apologized to the teacher. She
looked around the classroom for a free seat, took an unnecessary deep
breath, and walked in. Deliberately keeping her eyes down so it wouldn't
meet mine. I watched her as she waltzed to the seat next to me.

She sat down and appeared to be concentrating on what the teacher is

saying. I was going mad with curiosity. Who was she? Did she really
have a sister or was it part of the lie? I was surprised to see that Mr.
Stevens didn't argue. She must have a sister, and Mr. Stevens knew her.
When did they move here? Where has she been before? I had so many
questions swirling around in my mind. I couldn't wait till after the class.
So I composed myself and tried to talk in a vampire speed with a low
tone so no one could have a chance to hear us or even see us talking. I
asked the first question.

“Who are you?” I was still looking at her when I asked. But she didn't
move. She didn't respond. Maybe she didn't hear me or maybe she’s
ignoring me.

“Are there others?” I waited for an answer.

Nothing.

Maybe she doesn't want me to know who she is. If she was blocking me
she seemed to be doing a very good job. It was so frustrating to actually
ask her instead of just reading her mind. How would she even know that I
was a mind reader? I didn't know her and by her shocked face when she
saw me she clearly didn't know me either.

Her eyes still fixed on the teacher. And she was still not paying me any
attention.

I was not giving up. “How long have you been here?” I stared at her
willing myself to believe that she would answer eventually.

She sighed - more like huffed - in frustration and started talking. “I am

Isabella Swan. I have two siblings, Kayla and Michael. My parents are
Charlie and Renee. I’ve moved to Forks about a year ago. I started school
this year with my siblings. My father works at the police station and my
mother is a nurse at the hospital.” She was speaking with the same
hushed tone and speed, not wanting to attract attention.

She had an entire family? Like me? She had two siblings. She did have a
sister. Maybe her car did break down, but she sounded so false. Her father
works at the police station. Her mother is a nurse. She must have met
Carlisle and Esme then. I wonder what they would do.

“Who are you?” I’ve been quite for a while trying to comprehend this
new information. She must have thought that I quitted my interrogation
when I was far from done. I answered anyways.

“My name is Edward Cullen. I came here with my family. Alice, Jasper,
Rosalie, and Emmett are my siblings. Carlisle and Esme are my parents.
Esme is a nurse and Carlisle is a doctor and they both work at the hospital
together. I just moved to Forks a few days ago.” her face was the same
shocked expression as when she first saw me. Her mouth hung open
slightly and her golden eyes were wide.

This reminded me. “Do you only feed on animal’s blood?” I couldn't
quite cover the curiosity this time.

“Yes.” She answered quickly and shortly. “You?” She was curious too.
I was surprised when I felt happy, maybe even hopeful. For what? I
wouldn't know. “Yes we do.”

It must have caught her off guard when my tone changed from urgency to
curiosity and now tenderness so she looked up to me for the first time
since she took her seat beside me.

Our eyes locked.

Her eyes were filled with wonder yet very troubled. Perhaps she feared
that we would disturb the balance that they gained after a year of
residence in Forks, that people would start to question both our
resemblance and actions. To be honest I feared that too. But for an
entirely different reason. I couldn't care less for what people thought of
us, but to preserve our secret we would have to leave. I would have to be
away from this angel who sat next to me. I could find her again, surely,
but … what if I didn’t? What if she doesn't even want me or my family
near her? That she would think our presence would jeopardize her
family’s safety and the secrecy of our existence as vampires?

And then it hit me.

What if she already had someone in her life? What if it was that Michael
she mentioned? Vampires consider and reconsider when it comes to
relationships, because it won't be just a lifetime relationship, but they
would forever be together. Eternal love. And love itself is different to
vampires. It’s intensified, and much more powerful with vampires than
humans, like our senses. So what if she has already found her mate? What
if I was never to find someone like her? All these wonderings and
questions were spinning in my head that I missed the most important
question.

Why would I be dwelling on wither she’s single or not? I don’t even

know her. Only her name, her family, and that she’s merciful because she
feeds on animal’s blood instead of humans. That‘s all I know about her so
far. So why am I so miserable by the fact that she wouldn't want to be
with me?

I was still gazing at her, memorizing her face, her beautiful eyes, her
perfect lips, her long beautiful brown hair when the shrilling bell made us
both jump slightly. She looked a little disoriented which made me crack a
smile. Her puzzled face was actually very adorable. She looked back at
me when she realized that the class was over.

Her breath caught.

What was wrong? Did she finally realize that either she or I would have
to leave along with our families? Or was it the fact that we would have to
talk? My worries evaporated when she smiled. Her breathtaking smile
made my head spin. And then I started to think absurd thoughts. Was her
smile a little sad because we would be apart just for a few hours until
lunch break? Or was it because she knew we would inevitably be apart
when our families discuss who would leave Forks? I couldn't help myself
but think that these were the reasons why her smile fell slightly when I
started to gather my things and prepared myself to leave, because they
were the same reasons why I was torn apart inside. I would have to leave
her behind, or the other way around, or by some miracle we could find a
way that would both please her and I. And the only way that would make
me on top of the world is if we stayed together. Whichever way, my silent
heart would never be the same again.

BPOV:

I saw more than a dozen emotions in his eyes. First it was tenderness, he
was looking at me with kind eyes, why?

But before I could figure out a reason, his eyes became troubled maybe
even frightened. Was he worried that when our families meet there would
be trouble? Or was he calculating the outcome of the meeting itself?
Would he think that either our family or his would have to leave Forks?
Because, to be honest, I can’t find another way around it. He has 4
siblings plus his parents that would be 7 vampires including him, then
there’s my family, we are 5, so the total would be 12 vampires. 12
vampires in a town as small as Forks. That would be very dangerous. It
threatens the secrecy of our existence. Someone has to leave. But I don’t
want him to leave. He can’t leave. I don’t know why, but he just can’t.
There has to be a solution for both our families to exist together.
Then before I could think of some way, his expression changed again.
This time it was … pained? Why was he hurt? What is he thinking about?
Does he think that our families would fight? That he would lose one of
his siblings or his parents? Maybe the idea itself pains him. It sure kills
me to think that someone would have to die. But I don’t understand why
we would have to fight. It won’t come to a fight. I’m sure of that. My dad
might be a police man but he is not a violent person, and neither is my
mother. But if they had to defend our family, to protect us, they would
fight with every ounce of courage and self-sacrifice there is in them.

And we would have to fight along.

His expression changed again. This time it was confused. Maybe he was
wondering who we were. How old each of us was. Who changed us
perhaps. Or how long were we staying. But all these questions didn't
really matter to me. I wanted to know who he was. What he liked, what
he disliked. Did he like being a vampire or did he hate it? Was he happy?

And then it hit me.

Did he want me to know who he was? Would he allow me to? Am I

considered a threat to him? To his family? To the secret? Did he hate me
already for making him think of moving again? Or did he hate me for
disturbing the peace of his family? And then another question blazed in
my mind. Did he have someone in his life? Was it Alice? Or Rosalie? Or
was it someone else altogether and he didn't want to mention her name,
just to keep her safe? I didn't understand the fierce pain in my heart when
I thought about the possibility of him having an immortal love. I didn't
understand why I wished I could be the one he would go to if he needed
someone to talk to. They were very confusing, the feelings that I was
experiencing for the first time. But I couldn't put a name to them. I felt
anger with a pinch of sadness, and then I felt warmth - in the metaphoric
sense - and happiness, then anger again.

This time, when his expression changed again, it surprised me. I thought I
was wrong at first but it was so clear in his eyes. Hope. He was hoping
that maybe there’s some other way to solve this dilemma. That maybe we
could find a way to be inconspicuous and be together at the same time. Of
course how would I know. But these are my hopes. My wishes.
We were still staring at each other when the bell rang loudly making us
jump. I looked around the classroom and everyone was leaving. Did the
class end already? I was a little dazed.

When I looked back up to him, wanting to see his face one last time
before I go, I was absolutely stunned.

If I thought that he couldn't get more perfect than he was, I was entirely
wrong.

I saw his face with a smile that took my breath away. His eyebrows
pulled together slightly in confusion when he heard my low gasp.

I tried to compose myself, and tried not to look like an idiot and failed
miserably. So instead of trying to be serious and leave I smiled back.
Unable to stop myself from feeling sad, my smile fell a little. I was sad
because he was gathered his stuff and was ready to leave. I was sad
because I was leaving for a few hours until I would see him again but
when I do, either he or I would have to confront each other by the fact
that someone would have to leave Forks for the other to stay. I couldn't
help myself but hope that by some miracle I could come up with an idea
that would make both him and I stay together. Whatever the outcome is, I
would never forget how I felt in these mere minutes that I spent gazing at
his beautiful face as long as I shall live. My heart would never be the
same after this.
Chapter 2

Meeting the Family

EPOV:

I was about to speak when I heard Alice and jasper’s thoughts. She knew.
Of course she did.

“Wow, didn't have an interesting first day at school in a long time.”

Alice was very … happy?
“I just wish she would tell me what’s going on.” Jasper was very anxious
but still excited.

I chuckled when I felt his confusion from Alice’s change of emotions.

Happy.

Exited.

Anticipating.

Sad.

But Alice wasn't sad. Alice was genuinely happy. She's not sad at all.

“Why are you sad Edward? Why is she sad? Who is she?” Jasper was
getting more and more confused by the second.

I knew why I was sad, but I didn't understand why Bella was sad. Was
she sad because she was going to leave Forks? She doesn't have to. No
one has to leave. There has got to be a way.

I looked at Bella, she was staring at me with a confused expression. I

smiled when I saw her warm eyes, somehow looking into her eyes makes
it easier for me to know what she‘s thinking about.

“Ooh I could take her shopping with me. I could see that we’re gonna be
great friends. She has got to have some new clothes. And maybe some
new shoes.” Alice was already starting to plan a shopping trip before she
came close enough for Bella to hear her small, light footsteps.

“Don’t get your hopes up Alice, we still don’t know anything yet.” I
warned her in a normal tone as if she was standing right next to me.
“Whatever you say Edward.” She replied casually. Something about that
answer made me uncomfortable, and a little annoyed.

“Who’s that?” Bella asked me in a hushed voice.

“That’s Alice and my brother Jasper.” She seemed a little disappointed.

But why?

“Why is she feeling … upset? Should we leave?” Jasper was as confused

as ever, but he wasn't the only one.

“No. It’s alright.” I tried to comfort him.

“Who are you talking to? No one’s talking to you.” she stated.

I laughed when I saw her worried expression. She thought that I was
talking to myself. That I was crazy. I can’t blame her.

“No. No. I can hear people’s thoughts. I’m a mind reader.” I explained.

My chuckles were cut short when I saw the horrified expression on her
face. Her face was … paler. She was afraid? Of what?

“He can read everyone’s thoughts except for yours.” Alice walked in the
class room, Bella and I looked up to see her with Jasper behind her.
“Somehow you’re blocking him with your mind. Like a shield. So don’t
worry.” she winked at her, grinning.

“She’s shy. Embarrassed. And relieved.” Jasper was trying to understand

what was going on.

“I’m Alice. This is Jasper. Emmett and Rosalie are on their way over.”
Alice tried to be friendly. It seemed to work, Bella’s pale face relaxed.

“I’m Isabella, but I like Bella more.” She smiled. She seemed visibly
calm. Jasper was using his charms. I chuckled too low for anyone to hear.
Even vampires.
“I know.” Alice replied. And the confusion mask was back on Bella’s
face. “I can see the future. So I saw your ‘ way too low ’ conversation
with Edward.” she explained.

“Hope. She’s hopeful.” Jasper was amused by the change of emotions

that Bella was having.

“You can see the future?” Bella asked, her voice was, as Jasper thought,
hopeful. “Like my sister?” She was quite surprised, but not as much as
Jasper and I were.

“Yes. And there are no problems what so ever in the near or far future
between your family and ours.” Alice was practically jumping up and
down.

“Heavy doses of happiness from all of you, even Bella. Alice is happy
because … we would be safe? Or maybe because we would stay?
Perhaps because our family would like Bella‘s family and vice versa. I’m
beginning to feel a little happy myself.” Jasper was starting to understand.
He cracked a smile.

“Are you sure?” Bella asked in a small voice.

“Yes, of course I am.” Alice seemed a little offended. “I’m never wrong.”
She defended herself. “Your sister sees the outcome of all the decisions
possible, but she wouldn't know which decision would “definitely” inflict
the future. That’s my job, I see the decision AND know the outcome.” her
thoughts were pretty smug.

“That’s very good I guess.” Bella was glowing.

I didn't realize I was smiling until I saw my face through Jasper’s mind.
“You look and feel very cheerful Edward - which is completely unlike
you. What’s gotten into you?” he asked, not worried. And it wasn't
because of Alice’s, Bella’s or my emotions. He was happy for me. For all
of us.

I smiled back at him. “I don’t know.” Grinning even wider.

“He’s like that all the time.” Alice complained. I looked at her and she
was looking at Bella. And Bella was looking at me in confusion.

“I was just asking him when we would meet Bella’s family Alice, don’t
get your imaginations worked up.” Jasper retorted jokingly.

“Yeah right.” Alice scoffed.

“When would we meet them?” Both Alice and Jasper asked me at the
same time.

I looked at Bella. “Would you mind if we speak to the rest of your family
Bella?” I asked politely.

She didn't respond for a few seconds but then she cleared her throat. “No,
not at all. Although I think our parents have already met each other.” she
smiled, but her face was still worried.

“Don’t worry, Carlisle and Esme are very peaceful. I’m sure it would go
just fine.” I tried to ease her tension.

“I thought you couldn't read my mind.” She was frowning in frustration,

her voice a little panicked.

“I can’t. But your face gives you away.” I tried to fight a smile, happy
that I guessed her feelings and thoughts exactly right, though it wasn't
that difficult. It’s like it’s written all over her face, and uttered through
her eyes.

“Oh.” Was all she said.

“Well, shall we?” Alice urged us.

“What about school?” I thought she would be concerned, but her voice
was very excited and hopeful.

“Piece of cake, our parents will ask for a permission to leave school for
some emergency - which is true - and we’re good to go.” An unfamiliar
voice stated from down the hall. Two sets of footsteps.

“Kayla, Michael I’d like you to meet Alice, Jasper and Edward Cullen.”
Bella introduced us to her family. “Guys these are my siblings Kayla
Leah Swan and Michael Ladd Swan.” We were all shaking hands.

Kayla looked a lot like Alice. Same size, same hair but slightly longer
and perhaps same excited thoughts. She looked rather pretty too.

Michael was tall but not as tall as Jasper, probably an inch or two taller
than me. He was muscular. He had short brown hair. And his thoughts
were a little restless, I couldn't blame him, he was outnumbered, though
we didn't have to fight at all, he was planning how to defend both Kayla
and Bella if it ended up in a fight, he is very protective.

“I don’t like this, they’re too many. Charlie wouldn't like this one bit.
Renee is going to be worried, but she always thinks positive. And-”
Michael’s thoughts were cut short.

“Get out of my head.” He threatened looking at me.

I stared at him in disbelief. How could he have known? Did he hear us?
Probably. But how did he know that I was concentrating on him?

“Michael relax, no one’s in danger here. The Cullens are a very nice
family. Relax.” she soothed - almost cooed - him. He calmed down
visually but not mentally.

“Get out of my head.” He threatened again, only now with his mind.
“I can’t.” I explained. “I hear everyone’s thoughts against my will, except
for Bella’s, I can‘t hear her thoughts at all and I don‘t know why. I try to
block people’s minds occasionally but it would not fade completely, it
would be like low murmurs in the back of my head.” I tried to elaborate
as much as I can. “You can’t block me out and I can’t block me out
either. Sorry.” I apologized though I wasn't sorry at all, it was my gift and
my curse. People just have to deal with it. The one’s who know what I’m
capable of at least.

He huffed and, uselessly, tried to block me out.

I sighed and asked. “How did you know anyways?” He seemed puzzled
by my question. “I mean, how you knew that I was listening to your
thoughts?” He seemed to understand.

“I sense gifts. I knew what Kayla could do when she was human, that’s
why I changed her. Her gift is very useful yet harmless, she was dying
because she was attacked by some monstrous humans.” he visibly
flinched and Kayla unconsciously wrapped her arms around his waist. “I
couldn't make up my mind on wither to change her or not, so I asked my
father’s permission and he agreed and then my mother’s, she had her
doubts” he smiled because his mother, Renee, knew that Kayla would be
a handful before she was even changed. “But she agreed on changing her
eventually. Bella was the same situation, only this time she was already
changed. My parents asked me if she had any gifts, and so I tried to find
out. But I couldn't. She was blocking me, as she was blocking you. Not
intentionally though. Her mind blocks any gift that could manipulate her
mind. I think you could call her power a shield.” he then looked at me. “I
knew that you could read my mind and I felt you inside my head. I knew
what Jasper could do, he was the one who threw me the calming waves. I
welcomed it, I was too tensed up. Sorry.” he used the same tone that I did
when I apologized to him. Letting me know that he was not.

A few moments went by.

“Wow. That’s an interesting story. I would love to hear more of it.” Alice
broke the awkward silence. “We should get going though. Our parents
called the school and we are supposed to leave in 5 minutes.”
“What about Rose and Em?” I asked Alice. We couldn't just leave them
behind.

“Umm … Jasper go get them, will you?” Alice asked.

“Yeah sure. Where do we meet you?”

“Parking lot.” Alice replied shortly.

“Okay. Where are they?” Jasper was already heading for the door.

“Gym.” Both Alice and Kayla replied at the same time.

“So should we go now?” Bella broke the silence after Jasper left.

“Yeah let’s go.” Alice was nearly bouncing from joy.

I looked at Bella and I found her looking at me. Her eyes filled with joy
as well. A mirror of my own.

“Everything is going to be alright.” I told her though I really was trying to

convince myself that everything is going to be fine.

“Yeah.” She barely whispered, smiling.

BPOV:

Everything went smooth. Everything is going to be alright, like Edward

said.

We were headed to the parking lot. It was silent for a while, but then
Edward broke the silence.

“So, Bella. You never found who changed you into a Vampire?” he asked
curiously.

“Nope. I never saw his face. I don’t remember anything much of the
transformation really.”

He frowned.

“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.”

“No there’s something.” I urged him. “Tell me.”

He sighed. “How come you don’t remember anything? I remember

everything that has happened to me.” He frowned deeper, clearly
frustrated.

“I don’t know. I guess I didn't want to.” I really didn't know why I didn't
remember. “I’m sorry.”

He looked at me puzzled. “Why are you apologizing?”

“Because I’ve upset you.” I looked ahead of me, not wanting to meet his
eyes.

He stopped walking so I turned around and faced him. “Don’t apologize.

I’m the one who should apologize really, I was rude to ask you such a
question in such a poor manner.” he really looked sorry. “I’m sorry.”

I couldn't breathe; I was mesmerized by his hypnotizing golden eyes.

He smiled. “Are you alright?” he asked in an amused tone.

I was afraid that my voice would shake so I just nodded.

“Let’s go then.” he extended his hand in front of him, he wanted me to

hold his hand.

He raised his eye brow waiting for me to take his hand, so I gently and
slowly laid mine in his.

If I were human my heart would be pounding a 100 mph the moment his
hands touched mine.

He intertwined our fingers together and started walking again. I walked

stiffly till we reached our cars.

“Bella?” Kayla called.

“Yeah.” my voice wasn't clear. I cleared my throat and tried again.

“Yeah.”

“You mind riding with Edward? I’m going to let Michael ride in yours.”
she was grinning.
“Umm …” I didn't know if Edward wanted me to ride with him so I
looked at his face and he was grinning too. “You don’t mind?” I asked
him warily.

“Not at all.” his smile was tender.

“Perfect, now let’s go.” Kayla was visibly excited.

“Wait for us.” the voice came from behind. It was Jasper with, whom I
assumed to be, Emmett and Rosalie.

Emmett was huge. No, gigantic. Big muscles, tall and muscular body, he
was … way big.

Rosalie was tall, but not as tall as Emmett, but maybe as tall as Jasper.
She had a beautiful body - one that models would kill for - and she had a
long, beautiful, wavy, golden hair. She looked like an angel.

“Hi.” she helloed. “I’m Rosalie, and this is Emmett.” she took his hand in
hers.

“Hay guys.” he was a big guy, but he looked like a child, and he had a
positive energetic bubble surrounding him.

I thought for a moment about the way Rosalie held Emmett’s hand. It was
exactly the way Edward’s held mine. That meant one of two things.

One, Emmett and Rosalie are friends and that would mean that Rosalie
might be with Edward. But that was unlikely, neither she nor he looked at
each other the way Alice looked at Jasper.

Two, Rosalie is with Emmett and that would mean that Edward is single.
That would also mean that he liked me, considering the way he held my
hand the way Em and Rose were.

I wouldn't know which, but I sure hoped that it was the second one.

I looked at Edward. He was looking at Jasper, who was looking at me.

And then I realized that he could sense whatever I was feeling right now.
I’m sure he sensed hope vibes because I was hoping that Rosalie was
with Emmett and not Edward. He might sense fear, for I was afraid that
Rosalie might already be with Edward. But the only thing that could
capture both Edward and Jasper’s attention is … love. I couldn’t even
explain why I felt it, but I knew the warmth that I was feeling inside of
me was exactly how it felt when one was in love.

I looked back at Edward and he was looking at me now. His eyes were
wide and bright, his lips were slightly parted, and he was either shocked
or frightened due to the expression that was on his face right this second,
but I couldn’t tell the difference.

“Isabella?” he whispered my full name.

I cleared my throat. “Yes?”

“Why does Jasper sense … love vibes from you?” I wasn't surprised
when he asked the question, but what caught me off guard was his tone, it
sounded … hopeful.

“Umm … probably because we will … that our family will get along fine
… and we’ll be happy, like Alice said.” I was never a good liar, but that
wasn't completely a lie. I was happy for our families. But that wasn't the
real reason why I was so excited. The man in front of me was why I felt
something I’ve never felt before.

“Really?” he sounded disappointed.

“Yeah … I mean why else?” I was both happy and miserable. Happy
because he didn’t catch the false tone in my voice, and miserable because
I was lying to him already, I don’t like lying to people, I know it sounds
stupid but I really felt guilty. I wouldn’t want him to lie to me, especially
about his feelings for me. But I figured now is so not the time for this
conversation. I will tell him later.

“Right. Of course, that’s reasonable I suppose.” he said looking away

from me.

“Is something wrong?” I already knew what’s wrong, but I might be

mistaken.

“No, not at all. I was just curious.” he looked at me with a sad smile on
his face, he wasn't much of a liar either.

“Oh, okay.” I took in a deep breath then huffed. “Ready?” I asked him.

“Absolutely.” this time his smile was genuine.

I smiled back and got into the Volvo. I’m not the kind of girl who’s into
cars but I knew enough to say that this car was really nice.

“Follow me guys.” Kayla told the Cullens.

Everyone switched on their engines, and followed Kayla’s car. Michael

was behind her in my car, then Jasper and Alice, then Emmett and
Rosalie - which confirmed to me that they are together - and then Edward
and I.

“How long have you been a Vampire?” I asked Edward.

“Since 1918.”

“What happened?” I was curious.

“A clan of four Vampires attacked our house. My mother was frightened

all night, restless. So my father went out to see if there was anything
happening outside, just to comfort her.” he went silent for a minute, my
mouth hanging open trying not imagine the picture of him, human,
vulnerable, and surrounded by four bloodthirsty vampires. He continued.
“I was bitten by one of them. Something scared them away - I still don’t
know what it was - and they left me behind. After the transformation, I
idled alone in the woods. The thirst was driving me mad, but I knew that I
had to … feed sooner than later. That’s when I found Carlisle.” he was
smiling now, the worst was over. “He taught me how to hunt animals, he
explained to me that vampires could survive on the blood of animals
instead of humans, but they don’t follow this life style, unless they are
either obligated. Like Jasper. He was tired of feeling the pain and the fear
of his victims, he thought it wasn't worth it.” he sounded so proud of his
brother although his tone was casual. “Or they just love humans too much
that they don’t want to hurt them, like the rest of my family.” his voice -
even though it sounded sort of sarcastic - was tender.

“You love your family.” I wasn't asking.

He grinned. “That obvious?” he chuckled.

“Yes.” I answered sincerely.

He looked at me and we our eyes locked. “I really do.” his voice was
ringing with pride and love.
The ridiculous urge to tell him “I love you” was overpowering at this
point, so I turned my head away from his mesmerizing golden eyes.

The rest of the journey home was uneventful. Everyone was silent as we
followed Kayla to our house. And I was visualizing kicking myself all the
way there.

EPOV:

The silence was kind of irritating, but I figured if she wanted to talk she
would at least look at me, but she never did. I couldn’t see her face, thus I
couldn’t see her eyes, and so I couldn’t possibly know what she was
thinking. I kept looking at her every now and then, waiting for her to
change her position but it was like waiting for a brilliant statue of a
goddess to move. She didn’t move an inch. She just stared out the
window looking at nothing.

Kayla’s thoughts implied that we were near their home. I tried to stay out
of Michael’s head as he warned, but I couldn’t. I didn’t want to upset
him, so I focused on something else until we reached to the Swan’s
residence.

I focused on Jasper’s thoughts. Of course he was sensing happiness and

probably hope from all of us. Discomfort from Michael. And that bizarre
love vibes that were coming out of Bella, this time mixed with
embarrassment. I didn’t understand why she was constantly embarrassed.
This beautiful creature who sat right next to me shouldn't feel
embarrassed at all. She’s such a beauty that she should actually feel proud
of who she is and how she looks like. But she isn't. I didn’t need Jasper’s
gift or mine to know that she is a very humble, caring, and selfless
person. She loves her family immensely. She wants peace for everyone.
She’s absolutely pure. And I am, without a doubt, in love with her
already.

The time went by quickly and we reached their house in a few minutes.
We all parked our cars and got out. I saw Carlisle’s car parked across the
street, he must have brought Esme with him.
I didn’t offer my hand for Bella to hold this time, afraid that she would
refuse it. Instead I kept both my hands in my pockets because they were
aching to hold hers again. The place where her skin touched mine lift a
trail of fire behind. For the first time in almost a century, I felt warmth.
And it was a heavenly feeling too.

“Mom, dad, we’re home. And we have some more guests with us.” Kayla
called out for her parents in a joyful voice, Michael was behind her, still
tense but more at ease than before with his father near him.

“Oh, darling welcome home.” I heard a female voice call from inside.
That must be Renee.

Both Alice and Kayla stopped walking and looked back at me with terror
in their eyes. I stared at them ,confused. I listened to their thoughts;
maybe they had an unpleasant vision. But it was already too late.

“Welcome home kids.” I froze.

Chapter 3

Dark memories

EPOV:

The voice that’s been haunting me for over 100 years. The voice that sent
a shiver up and down my spine. The voice that belonged to one of the
monsters who slaughtered my family like animals and changed me to one
of them.
“Edward?” Bella was still by my side, a worried expression on her face.
“Edward, are you okay?” her voice was getting a little high pitched.
Panicked. The expression on my face must have frightened her.

“Edward, calm down. NOW!” Jasper warned me. Feeling the hatred, the
anger, the agony, the vengeance. He sent heavy calming waves but I
didn’t feel them, I was surrounded by a big, thick bubble of anger that I
didn’t feel anything but hatred.

My mouth was swimming with venom, my lips were curled up to show

my teeth, I was already half crouched ready to spring at the bastard who
destroyed me.

“Edward, you don’t want to do this. Just think for a minute okay?”
Alice’s voice was panicked but I didn’t hear the words. I was far gone

A growl escaped my mouth.

“What’s going on?” that was Carlisle’s voice. He stood at the front door
his eyes went wide when he saw my current posture.

“Edward, what are you doing?” Esme was standing behind him with the
same worried expression as soon as she saw me. Somewhere inside this
house stood my worst enemy.

“Edward?” Bella was terrified now, I can both hear it in her voice and see
it on her face. But at the moment I didn’t care about anything. I wanted to
kill him.

A female, Renee, stood beside Esme. Her eyes were wide, a mirror to
everyone who were standing near me.

Another growl was uttered. This time louder. I was calling for him to
come out.

“Edward not here. Too many humans nearby, they will hear you.”
Carlisle warned me, but I didn’t care.

“What the hell is going on out here?” Michael looked furious when he
saw me, but not surprised. He saw this coming.

And then I saw him.

The black haired devil.

I lunged at him, knowing that this time I was strong enough to rip his
head off.

Something slammed into me knocking me to the ground. I was growling,

thrashing right and left, but I was pinned to the ground by too many
hands.

I thought I went mad, but I could have sworn that I was hearing music.
Loud music. Rock music even.

“DIE!” I screamed at the black haired leech, my voice blended with the
music. “DIE YOU BLOODY BASTARD.” I was wildly out of control.

He was standing right in front of me. Just a few feet away. If I just could
get to his neck …

My screams turned into sobs as I remembered every detail of the

unendurable, unforgettable night. “YOU … KILLED MY … FAMILY
… YOU COLD BLOODED PARASITE.” I spat the words at him.

I was gasping and crying tearlessly and hysterically, I realized that I still
couldn’t move. I looked around me to see who was holding me. Carlisle
was holding my left arm, Emmett had his arms locked around my torso in
a grip that would have crushed me if I were human, Michael was holding
my other arm behind my back and he had his right arm around my neck.

I didn’t see Jasper. I looked around to find him kneeling on the floor with
Alice kneeling beside him , her hands on his shoulders, supporting him.
The power of the emotions that were firing out of me must have crippled
him.

I saw Esme. Her hands over her mouth in horror. And Renee was doing
the same.

Rosalie was staring at me with her mouth open, her face crumbled with
grief.

Bella wasn't looking at me, she was looking at him, her father, with
betrayed pained eyes. He was looking at her - I wanted to rip his eyes out
just for looking her way - but she looked away from him to look at me.
Her eyes were apologetic, even now she felt as if all of this was her fault.

“I’m sorry.” his voice made me shiver with disgust. He was apologizing?
“I’m so sorry.”

“YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO APOLOGIZE?” my voice shook either

from my uncontrolled movements or my crying. “The only thing that
would make me less repulsed by you, is if I killed you.” I was speaking in
a low menacing voice, uttering every word with precision, so he would
know that I mean every word.

“I’ve changed now, I’m not who I was 100 years ago. I’ve been trying to
make up for what I did-” I cut him off.

“YOU CAN’T MAKE UP FOR WHAT YOU DID. YOU CAN’T

MAKE UP FOR KILLING MY FAMILY. MY MOTHER. MY
FATHER. OLIVIA. SARAH. YOU CAN’T MAKE UP FOR
CHANGING ME. WHAT YOU DID CANNOT BE UNDONE.” I felt so
pleased when I saw him wincing, but not even close to what I want to
feel. To what I want him to feel.

“I know. Of course not. I’ll always be sorry for what I had done to you.”
he raised his hands palms up as if he is surrendering to the police. God,
he was the police.

“YOUR APOLOGIES DON‘T REALLY CUT IT. I DON’T WANT

THEM. I WANT YOU DEAD!” I thrashed again trying to get free.
Wanting to kill that demonic bloodsucker.

“Let him go.” he ordered the ones who were holding me.

“What?” Michael hissed.

“Let him GO!” he yelled at him.

He immediately let go of my arm and neck. Emmett was still holding on

to me, and so was Carlisle.

“He will attack you.” Carlisle warned.

“I know.” he sounded resigned.

I thought I heard a whimper. But I didn’t care who it was.

“Are you sure about this?” Emmett sounded unsure, but he was already
loosening his grip a little.

“Let him go.” he repeated.

“NO!” we all whipped our heads to see Bella looking terrified at us then
at her father then back at us. “What are you doing?” she was speaking to
me. “Do you want to be like him?”

I stared at her in disbelief. “HOW EXACTLY COULD I BE LIKE

HIM?” I yelled at her.

“You want to kill him just like he killed your family?” she asked me in a
calm voice.

“I want to avenge my family’s pain. MY pain.” how couldn’t she

understand that?

“By killing my father?”

I went silent for a second but then retorted. “He is not your father.” I
spoke through my teeth holding back another growl.

“He is as much a father to me as Carlisle is to you.”

“Carlisle is not a monster.” she was about to reply but I cut her off “Why
are you defending him?” I asked. “Why would you defend a monster like
him?” I sent him a death glare winning a wince and looked back to her.

“Charlie has changed. You don’t know who he is.” she was still
defending him.

“I know him enough. And he couldn’t have changed, you cannot implant
goodness in a heart that doesn't fathom the word mercy.” this time it was
Bella who winced.

“Edward. Please. I’m begging you, don’t.” she pleaded, her eyes were
glistening as if she wanted to cry.

“Why?” I asked in a low voice. “Why would I want to let him go? The
man who tortured me. The man who killed my mother, father, and my
sisters in cold blood. After a century of searching for this heartless leech,
why would I not kill him when he’s standing right in front of me? Tell me
WHY?” my voice was loud by the time I finished. My heart could quite
literally beat back to life from all the anger, the hatred and the vengeance.
Every second that passes watching him standing there in one piece makes
me hate him more, makes me want to kill him more and more.

“Because I’m asking you not to kill him. For me.” she was looking at me
in the eye with utter confidence that I would back down. That this simple
reason would make me surrender.

And it did.

I stared at her in disbelief. She stood her ground, jaws locked and she was
waiting for me to calm down. To forget everything that has happened to
my family. Everything that has happened to me. And just leave.

I slipped away from Carlisle and Emmett’s hold and started running in
the opposite direction, away from him, away from Bella, away from my
family, away from everything. I just ran nonstop.

My silent heart was squirming with pain. The girl I loved was defending
my enemy. And I gave up on killing my worst enemy - probably the only
chance I’ll ever get to kill him - just because she asked me not to.

She knew that I loved her, and she used that fact against me.

And she won.

I am a miserable man who’s in love with the only person who has the
ability to destroy me.

BPOV:

I didn’t move as he ran off. I couldn’t. I just stood still staring in the
direction where he disappeared. I hurt him in the worst way possible. I
betrayed him. But I only did it for my mother.

While he was screaming in agony the words that made us see Charlie for
who he really was - still is - my mother was in shock. Her whimpers were
so faint that I thought I was imagining them. She was hurt as well. But
she still loves him, like I love Edward. Honestly I didn’t know how she
kept silent as she watched her love being threatened over and over. But I
knew that she would regret it if he did die. So I had to stop him. But in
order to have done so, I had to use what I thought he felt for me against
him. I didn’t know if he loved me, I didn’t even know if he liked me. But
I had to take a chance. And it worked.

Everyone was staring at me. Some in disbelief. Some in shock. And only
two stared at me in petty because they were the ones who understood why
I did this. Jasper and Renee. Jasper could sense the guilt and the agony
that I felt right now, and Renee probably knew the moment she saw me
looking at Edward that I loved him. I was always an open book to her. So
she knew that there’s no way I would hurt him this way, unless it was for
a damn good reason.

I couldn’t take the stares anymore, so I ran in the opposite direction that
Edward took. I didn’t respond to Renee’s calls. I didn’t care about
Charlie. I didn’t care about Jasper‘s understanding. I didn’t care about the
other‘s misunderstanding. I didn’t care about anything. I just ran.

Chapter 4

Denali

EPOV:

I didn’t stop running. I ran for hours and hours. I ran through the trees in
the forest, past the highways, crossing through humans who couldn’t see
me due to my speed. And with every step I took, my silent heart was
being ripped in shreds. I ran faster. And I started to trip often. In all my
years that I lived as a vampire, I never tripped, not once. I don’t think
vampires trip at all. I didn’t want to stop. I wanted the pain stop. To out
run it. But I couldn’t make it fade away. The agony that I felt was
unendurable. Was it because I was hurt because of what she wanted? Or
was it because I left? Because I left her?

I skidded to a halt when I smelt a familiar scent.

It was faint. Probably a few days old, but still there. It was Tanya’s clan.
They must have been hunting nearby. That means that I’ve reached
Alaska. I thought for a moment and then decided that it was a good idea
for me to stay a few days with them until I figured what to do next.

I followed their scent. It was getting stronger as I kept running. It was

dawn when reached their big house.

Tanya’s clan’s like an extension to our family in Alaska. Tanya is their

leader. The women are Irina, Katie, and Carmen. And the men are
Eleazar and Garrett. Carmen is Eleazar‘s mate, and Katie is with Garrett
but both Irina and Tanya are still single.

I was a little uncomfortable by the fact that I had no one else to go but to
Tanya, because … well, let’s just say that she didn’t quite hide her
thoughts from me - and they were not always pleasant.

Emmett used to tease me about how Tanya had had a crush on me. But I
really don’t want to believe that Tanya would cross the line when I
needed some support from my family and a place to stay. But if she did,
then I’ll find someplace else because I really don’t need the extra
pressure. I need to focus and to clear my mind.

I reached the door and knocked lightly.

The door swung open and Carmen was standing with a huge smile on her
face.

“Edward?” her voice was charged with excitement that I had to smile
back. “What are you doing here?” she asked as she lightly hugged me.

Before I could answer, Eleazar greeted me. “Edward, how nice to see you
again.” he smiled as he shook my hand.
“Thank you Eleazar, I-”

“Edward?” I was cut off by Tanya. “Oh, Edward.” she ran towards me.

Although I shouldn't really be surprised but it took me off guard when she
threw her arms around me. I tried to be as polite as possible and hugged
her back awkwardly then lightly pushed her away.

“What are you doing here? Are the rest of the Cullens with you? Are you
here alone?” Tanya attacked me with a series of questions.

I chuckled. “No, my family is still in Forks.” I winced slightly as I

remembered where I just came from. “I’m on my own.” this one sentence
really meant a lot. I was on my own. I tried to smile to hide the sadness.

“Then why are you here? Is something wrong?” Tanya looked worried, as
she guided me inside the house.

“I was wondering if I could bother you with my presence for a few days,
if that’s alright.” I asked as I sat down on their couch

Tanya looked a little shocked. She knew I didn’t come here unless I was
with my family. She knew that I was always uncomfortable with her
“straight forward” thoughts. She knew I didn’t like leaving my family
behind.

“What happened?” she asked seriously.

I didn’t know how to begin. So I started with the fact.

“I found one of them.” I told her through my teeth.

“One of whom?” Carmen asked in confusion.

“One of the vampires who changed me, and killed my family.” my voice
shook.

They all gasped. Because they all knew where I came from and how I
was changed.

“How?” Eleazar whispered.

“You all know that my family and I just moved to Forks recently?” They
nodded in response. “Well, we didn’t know that other vampires already
lived there.” I took a deep breath and started.

“I met his daughter. Isabella. She was … nice.” I wanted to say more. I
wanted to tell them how amazing and beautiful she was. But I kept my
mouth shut; they would think I’m mental. I am mad. I am madly in love
with her. I cleared my head and then continued. “She told us that we
should meet her family, and figure out what to do. And so we did.
Carlisle and Esme were already there. And just before I entered their
house, I heard his voice.” I flinched at the memory. “And it was like my
darkest memory had just happened yesterday.”

I stopped to give them a chance to take it all in; their mouths were all
hanging open in astonishment. After they‘ve regained a little composure,
I carried on.

“I couldn’t control my anger and I felt ashamed for how I’ve reacted in
front of my family - I was crazy.” I decided to skip the part were Bella
told me not to kill him for her sake. “So I left, and came here.”

It was quiet for a while. They were silent. Their thoughts were silent.

“Well.” Tanya finally broke the eerie silence. “You are welcome to stay
with us for as long as you want.” she smiled kindly. “You can take Katie
and Garrett’s room, they’re on vacation, and they won’t be back for two
weeks.” Carmen and Eleazar nodded in agreement.

“Thank you Tanya, I really appreciate it. But I don’t think I need a room,
I’ll just stay in the parameters, only to hunt and-”

“Nonsense.” Tanya interrupted me sharply. “You will have the empty

room, and I promise you that no one would disturb you. We will leave
you in peace. And we are all here for you, Edward. You are family.”

“You know me will enough Edward. I don’t take no for an answer.” she
added in her thoughts.
I smiled and surrendered to her demand. “Alright, fine I will stay.”

Tanya seemed pleased by the fact that she finally made me do something
that she wanted. Carmen and Eleazar smiled encouragingly.

“You know where their rooms are, you can borrow one of Garrett’s
clothes you’re about his size.” Tanya eyed my clothes. They were ragged
and covered with dirt from all the running.

“Thanks.” I smiled sheepishly.

“Even in tattered clothes he still looks marvelous.” Tanya was beginning

to think improper thoughts.

I cleared my throat and excused myself.

“Sorry Edward. I’ll behave this time.” She smiled, unashamed

That I was still ill at ease with her thoughts.

I entered Katie and Garrett’s room and closed the door behind me. I sat
on the chair in the far corner and started to think.

I don’t know how much time I spent setting like this but it was probably
hours because it was twilight.

I lost track of time thinking of Bella. Beautiful Bella. How could I love
someone so much I barely even knew? How could I long for someone
who broke my non-beating heart?

I know that I love her. I love her with every speck of my being. My
motionless heart belongs to her. But how could I still love her? She knew
that I hated him, she knew that I wanted to kill him. Why would she tell
me to stop?

Then I started to remember every detail.

Jasper who was kneeling on the ground looked at me then to her and he
winced, but not because of my emotions, but because of hers.

I remember faintly what he felt from her.

Guilt. Pain. Shame.

She was feeling guilty? For what? For telling me to stop? Did she want
me to stop?

Then I remembered a sound that was barely audible over my own.

Whimpers. Renee was mortified. But she never protested, she never
stopped me. Did she give up? Did she think that maybe I wouldn’t have
stopped for any reason?

And then it all clicked.

Bella was the only person who could have stopped me. Her mother knew
how much pain I was in; she knew I was never going to listen to her
protests. She did give up.

But Bella didn’t.

She heard her mother’s whimpers. She knew Renee still loved him. She
knew that her mother would be devastated if I killed her only love. She
didn’t stop me for herself. She was feeling shame. She was ashamed of
her father.

She only did it for her mother.

Then why did she feel pain? Was it because she was going to stop me
from doing the one thing I wanted? Because she knew I was going to be
hurt? Because she used my feelings for her against me? How did she even
know? How did she know that I loved her? Only Jasper knew.

Jasper.
“Love. I sense love in big waves coming out of her Edward. Just like
you.”

I remember distinctively that specific thought. And when I asked her

why, she lied. Her voice was a little high pitched, and she didn’t look at
me when she told me that she was feeling happy for both our families. I
wondered why she lied to me at the time and thought maybe Jasper got it
wrong. But he didn’t. She … loved me? Then why did she lie? Why
didn’t she just tell me how she felt? Maybe because she thought it wasn't
the right time because I’ve done the same thing. Or maybe she was
waiting for me to say it first.

I needed to talk to someone. Ask for some advice. But Carlisle isn't here,
nor Esme.

“Tanya?” I called.

She was at the door in seconds, she knocked and entered. “Do you need
anything Edward?”

“I need to talk to you.”

“What is it?” she sat on the edge of the bed.

“I’m in love with Isabella.” I blurted out.

Chapter 5

Confessions
EPOV:

She stared blankly at me for a moment before she composed herself.

“What?”

“The girl that I told you about. His daughter. Bella.” I didn’t want to
think his name, let alone utter it.

“Oh.” she seemed disappointed.

And with my sheer stupidity, I hurt the one person who actually cared for
me. I had completely forgotten Tanya’s feelings for me. I really consider
her as a friend maybe even as a sister. But nothing more.

“Well, that’s a big problem.” she tried to cover her discomfort. And for
the first time, she blocked me out of her mind. “Why do you love her?”
she asked.

“Umm … I … just love her. There’s no reason. She’s just beautiful and
amazing and … I don’t know. I can’t find the words that would describe
how perfect she is.” I was torturing her, I didn’t notice that I was
blabbering again until her block fell a little and felt the hint of agony she
was enduring.

“Seems that you are finally in love Eddy.” she used my nickname - the
one I hated. But I didn’t complain. I was causing her much more pain
than that.

“I don’t know what to do.” I confessed.

“You don’t know what to do about what?” she was obviously confused.

I stared at her. “She’s the daughter of the one person I want to kill just to
satisfy my anger that I‘ve been suppressing for 100 years, Tanya.” I
explained.

“Oh. Right. That. Well, that’s very tricky.” she frowned as she
concentrated to find me a solution.

A few moments passed.

“Does she love you?” she asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe.” I wanted to know but I didn’t know how.

“Does she love her father?”

“Because if she doesn't love him then you could kill him and you’d have
your happy ending with your Bella.” she was trying to help me, but she
didn’t help me at the same time. She didn’t want me to be with Bella she
wanted me to be with her.

“I wouldn’t have talked to you about this if that wasn't the case.” I tried to
show that I didn’t want to hurt her, but I don’t know if it was obvious.

“Hmm.” she frowned in concentration again. “Did you talk to her?”

“No.”

“Does she know that you love her?”

“No.”

“Do you want her to know that you love her?”

“Yes.” I answered, my voice was desperate. “I want to be with her.

Forever. I just can’t see how.”

“Isn't there any way that you could forgive him?” she asked me though
she already knew the answer.

“Only if he dies.” I answered surly. It was definitely the only way that I
could perhaps consider forgiving him. I might not.

“Well, I don’t-” my phone buzzed in my pocket interrupting Tanya. I

looked at the number. It was Carlisle.

“Sorry, I should take this. It’s Carlisle.” I smiled apologetically.

“Of course. Call me when you need me.” she got up and went out.

I pressed the answer button and pressed it to my ear. “Hello.”

“Edward. Where are you? We’ve been trying to call you all day. What
happened to you? Where are you?” Carlisle sounded angry and worried.
Guilt washed over me the minute I heard him sigh in relief.

“Sorry Carlisle. I needed time to think. I’m in Denali.”

“Denali?” that seemed to have surprised him.

“Yes.”

“Is Tanya there?”

“Yes, she’s here.”

“Really?” he asked in disbelief.

“Yes. And she’s been quite hospitable.” I complimented, hoping that she
could hear me.

“Well, that’s good I suppose.” he sighed “When are you coming home?”

I felt guilty to the core to have caused such disturbance to my family.

“I don’t know Carlisle. I haven’t decided yet.”

“You could come home son. The Swan’s left.”

My heart sank.

She’s gone? She left?

“When?” my voice shook.

“This morning. They apologized for causing us trouble and Charlie

apologized especially for causing you pain. Now, and in the past.”

I didn’t care about anyone but her. “Did Bella leave?”

“Umm … No … we … umm.” he cleared his throat. “We can’t find her.”

“What?” I asked devastated.

“She ran off, the same way you did, in the opposite direction. Michael,
Emmett, Jasper, and I searched for her but in vain. Her scent disappears
after a few miles. She must have taken transportation or something.”
Carlisle explained. “Her sister, Kayla, she stayed with Michael. They’re
waiting for her return. Rosalie and Alice are still searching, Alice can‘t
find a specific direction, her visions are blurry, which means that Bella is
just wandering around. Kayla asked if she could go with them maybe
hoping that she could help, but they told her that it’s better if she stayed
here. In case Isabella comes back.”

“Right.” my voice was gruff.

“She’s going to be fine Edward. She just feels guilty for hurting you. She
never meant to-”

“I know.” I cut him off.

“You know?” he sounded confused.

“I love her.”

Silence.

“What?” he sounded both shocked and elated.

“I’m in love with her.” I was smiling at this point.

“You are.” it wasn't a question.

“Yes.”

“Well, that’s … something.” he was chuckling probably from the shock

the news caused him.

“Yes, I know.”

“Should I tell Esme or should we wait for your return?” I didn’t have to
read his mind to see how excited he is with the news and how it would
affect Esme. It was clear in his voice.

“No, you should tell them. I’m not coming home.”

“Why?” he voice fell.

“I’m going to find her first.” I wasn't sure if I was telling him that I would
come home eventually, or trying to convince myself that I would find her
in the first place.

“Do you need any help?” his good mood returned to his voice.
“No. I’m going to call Alice.” she could tell me what her latest visions
were.

“Alright. Good luck Edward.” I could all but sense his hand on my
shoulder.

“Thank you Carlisle. I’m going to need it.” with that said, I hung up.

Chapter 6
Searching

EPOV:

“Tanya, I’m leaving.” I said as I descended down the stairs.

“I know.” her smile was genuine.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized.

“For what?” she was bemused.

“For hurting you. I never meant to. I’m sorry.”

“Why would you hurt me?” she tried to seem tough.

I just stared at her.

She sighed. “It’s alright. The only thing that matters is your happiness
Edward. I don’t care about anything else. You know that.” she smiled
jokingly.

“Right.” I rolled my eyes, smiling.

“Now go get your girl.” she pushed me playfully out the front door. She
was laughing.

“Thank you.” I was sincerely grateful.

“No problem. See you later Eddy.” she waved as I started running.

“You know how much I hate it when you call me that.”

“Yup.”

I laughed and started running as fast as I can.

I took out my phone and dialed Alice’s number. It barely rang once
before she answered.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” her voice was annoyed.

“Alice?”
“Edward, I swear I want to strangle you.”

“That won’t kill me Alice.” I tried to stifle a chuckle.

She sounded a little calmer. “Where are you?”

“Where are you?” I asked her.

“I’m somewhere near the treaty line, Rose and I could smell her scent but
it’s not strong, a few hours old maybe.”

“Then I’ll meet you there.”

“No. Wait.” she was silent for a while.

“Alice?” I heard Rose’s faint voice on the other line.

“Alice?” I asked this time. If she’s having a vision she should tell me.

“Oh finally.” she exhaled in relief. “Edward you’re going to

Find her.”

I stopped abruptly.

“Oh wow, she’s a mess.” I winced. “She wants you. She loves you.” her
voice sounded like the good old chirpy Alice.

“Where? And when?” I was so eager to find her.

“Just run for about 1 hour East of where your standing.”

“That’s the direction back to Forks.” was she still there? She never left
then?

“Just go!” I didn’t need to hear it again. I hung up and started running.

I wanted so bad to hear her voice, to see her face, to hold her, to tell her
how much I love her, to kiss her …

I focused on the task on hand. I needed to find her. I ran as fast as I can.

30 minutes had passed. I looked up to the sky and it was nearly noon. I
couldn’t believe that 2 days had passed since the incident. It’s been two
days since I’ve fallen in love with her. It feels like I’ve been in love with
her for ages rather than just two days.
35 minutes. Only 25 minutes left and I would see her again.

20 minutes.

10.

The longest hour of my life.

4 minutes.

I ran faster than I ever had before.

2 minutes.

“BELLA!” I yelled her name. “BELLA! CAN YOU HEAR ME?” I was
desperate, calling her name at the top of my lungs.

60 seconds.

“BELLA!” I stopped and looked around me. But I couldn’t find her.
Where was she? I should at least see her in the distance.

40 seconds.

Where is she??

“BELLA, ANSWER ME!” I was starting to panic.

10 seconds

“She’ll be here, she’ll be here …” I started repeating incoherently. She

had to be here.

5…4

3…2

1. Time was up.

“BELLA?” I called out for her one more time.

I looked around me, but there was no sign of her.

Did Alice get it wrong? Did Bella change her mind?

“Bella.” I whispered in defeat.

I crumbled to the ground; my feet couldn’t lift me up any longer.

A faint crackle sent me back up on my feet. I whirled to see where the

noise came from.

She was there. She was right there in front of me.

“Bella?” I whispered. Unable to believe my eyes.

“Edward?” she barely whispered. Hearing my name coming out of her

lips could have made my heart beat again if it were possible.

“What are you doing here?” her voice cracked.

“I was looking for you. Alice told me where to find you.”

She looked at me wide eyed. If that surprised her then this would
definitely stun her.

“I love you.” I blurted out.

She was as still as stone, all except for her eyes that were blinking
rapidly.

Minutes of silence elapsed. But I didn’t dare to speak; I didn’t want to

frighten her.

More minutes went by.

When my confession finally sank in, she started to move forward.

I stood still, though every muscle in me was aching to move in her

direction.

She was moving slowly, as if she was afraid that I would run away.

I couldn’t keep my muscles locked anymore, so I took a risky step

forward.

She didn’t stop.

I took another.

She was still moving towards me.

And another.
She lifted her hand.

We were just a few inches apart.

She put her hand on my face.

I closed my eyes the moment her hand touched my cheek and exhaled a
breath that I didn’t know I was holding. I leaned into her touch and
brought my hand up to hold hers against my cheek.

I opened my eyes to see her looking at me with eyes filled with wonder.

I didn’t realize that I was lifting my other hand to touch her face until I
felt her soft skin beneath my finger tips. She closed her eyes. Exactly the
way I did.

I moved a step forward.

She looked up to me, her lips slightly parted. I leaned in and tilted my
head until my lips caressed hers.

My hand slid across her arm, down her back until it reached her waste
and pulled her in to me. One of her hands were around my neck, the other
was knotted in my hair.

I was in heaven. Somehow I died and now I’m in heaven with the most
beautiful angel of all angels. And not only am I with her, I would forever
be hers, and she would forever be mine.

“Bella.” I tried to push her back gently; I wanted to look into her eyes. I
wanted to see the truth.

Her face was glowing. She was happy.

“What is it?” her face fell a little, I was so mesmerized by her fascinating
beauty that I forgot I wanted to ask her the most important question.

“Why do you-” I stopped mid question because I remembered that she

never said it, she never told me that she loved me. Was it possible that
she only kissed me because she felt sorry for me? To compensate for
hurting me?

“What?” she seemed worried now.

“Why did you kiss me back?” I didn’t want to hear the answer; I wanted
to live this moment forever, even if it was a lie. But I had to know.

“What do you mean?” apparently she was caught off guard by my

question.

“Why did you kiss me back? Was it because you wanted to make amends
for hurting me?” she winced at that part. “Or was it because you felt sorry
for me? Maybe because-”

“I love you.” her voice was even, she looked me straight in the eye, and
her lips were pressed in a straight line. She was telling the truth. If I
compared her face and her voice right now with her face and her voice
when she was defending her father, I would say that even a child couldn’t
have believed her. But I was blinded with my emotions. I didn’t see the
truth then, but I see it now.

“Why did you defend your father?” I just wanted to make sure.

“Because of my mother. I wouldn’t want anyone to threaten you, to kill

you. So I figured my mother would defend Charlie. But she knew you
wouldn’t listen to her, so she gave up. And-”

“You knew I would listen to you.” I interrupted her. “And I did.” she
stared at me wide eyed for a minute, then sadness and guilt were written
all over her face, and she looked away from me, ashamed.

For once I understood why she stopped me. It wasn't about her mother
alone, but about me as well. Because Michael would have avenged his
father‘s death if I ever did kill him. She wanted to save me.

I pulled her face up so I could see her. “It doesn't matter anymore. He
left, and you are here. With me. I don’t need anything else. You are
everything to me, and I’d do anything for you. Including …” I took a
deep breath “Including forgiving your father.” it was true. I would do that
for her if she asked me. I would do anything and everything for her. I
would die for her.

She was staring at me with her mouth open. I kept my face straight and
my eyes fixed on hers wanting to make her believe that I was absolutely
in love with her.
I leaned down to whisper in her ear “I love you.”

And then I kissed her again, only this time I poured every ounce of love
and affection that I held for her in this kiss. Our lips moved together in
sync. We were holding each other so tight that we all but counted as one.
She was gasping for air she didn’t need, but so was I. Everything was
meaningful, colorful, and beautiful. My mind was trying to catch up with
what was happening to my dead heart that was suddenly alive now.

“He truly loves me.”

I froze.

She stopped kissing me as soon as she felt my stance’s change.

“What’s wrong?” she asked me.

“What did you just say?” I managed to utter.

“I … didn’t say anything.” she looked puzzled.

“No. You said ‘he loves me’.” it couldn’t have been clearer.

“No I didn’t.” she answered quickly, her eyes were wide, and her voice
was panicky.

“You’re lying. I heard you loud and clear.” I did hear her, but how could
she have spoken when her lips were fused with mine?

“I didn’t say it out loud. I only thought it. To myself.” she sounded
unsure of herself.

I stopped breathing, moving, and blinking. I just stared at her. Did I just
hear her thoughts?

“Edward?” her eyes were troubled.

“I … just … heard … your thoughts.” I was trying to make myself

believe every word.

“Is that … bad for you?”

I was caught off guard by that question.

“Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, that I couldn’t be
happier, I heard your thoughts. The real you. You absolutely amaze me.”
I didn’t give her a chance to respond. I kissed her again.

“I love him.”

“More than anything.”

“Edward if you can hear me now, know that I love you.”

“Forever.”

As soon as I heard that, I deepened the kiss. For the first time in nearly a
century I felt warm. Well, not literally. But it felt amazing, my heart is
whole, my mind was dazed, and I felt a strange feeling in my stomach. I
was completely and inevitably changed by Bella.

“More. Need more.”

I was stunned for a moment to hear that. Did she want me to hear it? Or
did she simply forget that I could now hear her thoughts? Either way I
didn’t need to be asked twice.

I opened my eyes for a fraction of a second, I caught a glimpse of her

beautiful face, and then I swept my eyes across the place that we were
now standing in. It was probably one of the most beautiful places that
I’ve ever seen in all my hundred years. A beautiful, perfectly rounded
meadow. The colors of the flowers - violet, white, and yellow - were
amazing. And when I concentrated more, I heard a bubbling stream that
was close by.

I searched for the nearest tree. The closest one was only two feet ahead. I
moved in its direction until Bella’s back was pressed against the tree.
I left her lips and laid delicate kisses across her cheek to her jaw until I
reached her neck.

She sighed softly in response.

I kissed every inch of her face, there wasn't a part of me that wasn't fused
to a part of her. My breathing was heavy, I was lost in her. Her hair, her
skin, her scent, and everything about her just captivated me.

Her hand ran through my hair, and pulled my face back up to hers.

Her hands slid down my shoulders to the collar of my shirt and started
unbuttoning it.

I didn’t stop her.

When she got through buttons, her fingers traced the lines on my chest
lightly and that made shiver in pleasure.

I held her - if possible - even closer and she wrapped her legs around my
waist.

Our bodies grinded together in harmony and a low growl escaped my

lips.

She is perfect.

I heard a small gasp from her and so I opened my eyes.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” I was still gasping for air.

“I heard you.” she whispered.

“Heard what?” I didn’t mean to growl. It just happened. I didn’t know it

would upset her.

“I heard you saying ‘she is perfect’ like you were saying it out loud.” she
explained as she unknotted her legs from around my waist.

I stared at her, my mouth hanging open in amazement. She could hear my

thoughts as well? She has my gift? But she never had them before, had
she?

“Did you ever read people’s minds be-”

“No, never.” she shook her head.

“Well, that’s new.”

“Why are you smiling?” I was grinning widely.

“Because I’m not surprised that you have another remarkable gift, which
is possessing other gifts. You are simply staggering.”

I kissed her lips softly and shortly. “I think you should talk to Carlisle.”

She nodded in agreement.

“Later.” I smiled wickedly at her.

She grinned back. “Later.”

She leaned in and kissed me passionately. And I wondered if she could

hear me. This time - and for the first time - I was the one who was
thinking the words.

“I love you. My silent heart is yours. Forever.”

She suddenly deepened the kiss; she wrapped her legs back around my
waist and tightened her grip around my neck. She tasted amazing.

Before long, my breathing was heavy again. My unbuttoned shirt was

now lying on the ground.

I only had to push her away just an inch to manage to take off her shirt. I
broke our kiss for a second just to take pull her shirt over her head swiftly
and then I found her lips again.

Instead of leaning back on the tree, I laid her softly onto the floor. We
were gradually moving forward - from the tree and now to the ground. So
before I knew it we were under the open sky with the sun, unexpectedly,
shinning over head.

I looked down at Bella and I was blown away by how breathtaking she
was.
Her skin was glowing and shimmering under the sun beams, her eyes
were bright with excitement, and her hair was splayed-out making a
dazzling contrast to her porcelain skin. Her body was perfect. She was a
goddess.

“Perfect.” I managed to say before I attacked her lips again. The lust, the
desire, the hunger, and the craving that I felt for Bella right now were
consuming me, disabling me. I wanted her in every possible way. I
needed her. She is and always will be the love of my existence.

My Bella.

BPOV:

I couldn’t believe what was happening. I’m in the arms of the most
stunning man I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t believe that I only met him 2 days
ago. I met my one and only love two days ago. My heart was shattered
when he ran away from me, and now I swear my heart could beat to life
again.

I love him.

Forever.

The sun was about to set. Edward and I were still intertwined on the soft
grass, staring into each other’s eyes. It’s like I could see deep into his
soul, and so could he.

How could someone like him love someone like me?

He suddenly stiffened.

Oh, I forgot that he could read my mind now.

“How could you even think that?” his voice was disapproving but still
soft.

“I just don’t see how you love me.” I looked away from his hypnotizing
eyes.
He was quite for a while.

“Bella, look at me.” he said quietly, and of course I couldn’t help but
obey.

“Don’t ever doubt my love to you. You are everything to me.” he took
my face in his hands. “Everything.”

And then he kissed me like before when I felt all his love through the
kiss. It was the same now. Only much more intense. Like he was trying to
convince me that I was important to him. That I will always be his.

“You will always be the one. My one and only love.” he leaned his
forehead against mine.

I kept silent. I didn’t want him to hear the doubt in my voice. But he
seemed to hear the doubt in my thoughts.

“You don’t believe me?” he frowned.

“Of course I believe you. It’s just … I don’t know, I’m not used to all of
this.”

“Used to what?”

“Being loved.” my voice was low.

His smile took me by surprise. “Why are you smiling?”

“Because I have all the time in the world to show you and prove to you
how much I love you.” his smile became wider as he spoke.

I couldn’t help but smile myself. The fact that we are both immortals and
that we are both in love with each other and we will always be together is
like a magical fairy tale.

Happily ever after.

He held me closer to his chest and kissed my forehead. “Forever.”

We laid there together for a very long time, yet it wasn't enough.

Too soon for my liking, we got up. But before we started running,
Edward told me that I needed to clean up. So I went to the nearest stream
and washed up quickly. When I came back he was putting his phone in
his pocket. I looked at him quizzically but he just shrugged and said that
he called Carlisle to tell him that he and I were going to go back to Forks,
to his house.

We started running.

I didn’t want to go there yet, but he seemed too excited about something.

“Humor me.” he kept saying this whenever I asked him why he was so
eager to go back.

I tried to read his mind but he was blocking me.

We were about 2 minutes away from his house. I stopped running

abruptly. He whirled back and walked to me, his eyes wary.

“What’s wrong?” he asked concernedly.

“Why are we going to your house?” I demanded to know.

He sighed and wrapped his arms around me. “I have a surprise for you.”

“What surprise? I’m not a fan of surprises.” I whined.

“It’s nothing big, I promise. Trust me.” he chuckled.

I huffed and started running again.

Edward was impossibly fast. Even for a vampire. I tried to keep up with
him at first but I failed, so he kept his pace slow - according to him.

We reached his house in no time. I didn’t expect to see a reception.

Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, and Jasper were all standing on
the front porch with wide smiles.

“Oh, Edward. I’ve missed you so much.” Esme would have been in tears
if she was human. She walked towards Edward and hugged him
adoringly.

“Sorry mom.” Edward was smiling sheepishly.

“Well, it’s about damn time.” Emmett said loudly making me jump a
little. Rosalie smacked his arm and glared at him.

“What?” he asked her, surprised.

“Watch your tongue.” she warned him.

“Sorry.” he muttered with a pout.

I stifled a laugh.

I didn’t know that Alice was running at me until I was shoved backwards
from the impact.

“Don’t ever run away like that again.” she sounded both irritated and
relieved.

“Sorry Alice.” I was smiling sheepishly. Exactly like Edward.

Somehow I’ve developed some kind of bonding with Alice, I already

consider her as my sister. This reminds me …

“Where are Kayla and Michael?” I asked.

“They went hunting. They’re on their way back.” Rosalie was the one
who answered me.

“Can’t we all go hunting?” Jasper suggested.

“I think that’s a very good idea.” Carlisle was grinning from ear to ear.

“Great!” Alice chirped. “We’ll meet them on the way.” she told me.

“Welcome home.” Esme was looking at me when she said this, she wasn't
talking to Edward. In fact, everyone was looking at me with kind eyes
and warm smiles.

Edward wrapped his arms around my waste from behind me and

whispered in my ears “Surprise.”

I whirled around to face him. My eyes were wide, my mouth was hanging
open, and I stopped breathing.

What did this mean? I wanted to ask out loud but I couldn’t force the air
out.

“It means that you could stay here with me, with my family. If you want.”
Edward was smiling tenderly.

“You … want me … to be a Cullen?” I managed to whisper.

“If you want.” he repeated.

I laughed breathlessly out of shock.

“We already consider you a Cullen.” I turned around to see Alice

grinning.

“You brought Edward happiness. You made him smile.” Esme’s voice
was filled with joy and wonder.

“To be honest, I’ve never seen Edward like this.” Jasper spoke for the
first time. “You’ve changed him.”

“If you don’t mind Bella, we would like you to be a part of our family.”
Carlisle asked for my permission.

I just stared at him, my mouth still hanging open, and my eyes, if

possible, wider than before.

I still couldn’t bring my mouth to move. So, I looked back at Edward who
was looking at me.

“I’d love to.” I thought the words to him.

He smiled broadly and all of a sudden his lips came crashing down on
mine. I felt every ounce of enthusiasm and happiness that he felt through
this kiss. He truly did love me. He really wanted to be with me.

“Forever.” he whispered against my lips.

Emmett cleared his throat. “We’ll take that as a yes.”

Everyone chuckled, even Edward. I just buried my face in his chest,

embarrassed.

“Okay people, let’s go.” Alice said clapping her hands together and then
she ran off, and we followed.

EPOV:
I couldn’t tell what she was thinking of. For the first time since I first
heard her thoughts, she was muddled. She was thinking of everything and
nothing. My Family, her family, me, her siblings, and most of all … my
surprise.

I still can’t digest what had happened. I asked her, and she said yes. She
said “yes”. She wants to be with me. With my family. She wants to stay
with me forever.

All of the sudden, something’s changed. Her mind went blank. I couldn’t
hear her anymore. I skidded to a halt. And she stopped right beside me.
Alice stopped for a fraction of a second then started running again. She
understood that we needed some time on our own. My family followed
her leaving us alone.

When they were gone, I turned around and faced her.

“Why are you blocking me?” I asked her.

“I’m not.” she frowned in confusion.

“Then why can’t I hear anything?” I did hear the words in her head before
she uttered them. But that’s not what I meant.

“I just stopped thinking, that’s all.” she shrugged.

“But … only a minute ago, your mind was racing. You were thinking of
everything.” I was the one who was frowning now, but out frustration not
confusion.

“I don’t need to think because I know what I want.” she was smiling.

“You do?” now I was both frustrated AND confused.

“Yes.” her smile widened

“What do you want?” I asked in a calmer voice. Her beautiful smile was
easing my tension.

“I want to be with you forever.” her smile was kind, her eyes were
glistening, and I was speechless.
She moved closer and she caressed my cheeks with her soft hands. I
closed my eyes and relished the sensation.

I opened my eyes to look at her.

“I love you.” I didn’t know what else to say. Somehow the word “love”
doesn't cover how much I truly love her.

“As I love you.” she said in a small voice. I smiled, leaned down, and
kissed her softly. She sighed and wrapped her arms around my neck, and
I wrapped mine around her waist tightly and lifted her off the ground so
she wouldn’t have to stretch on her toes.

Although I didn’t want to, I had to break the kiss. I could hear Kayla’s
worried thoughts. But I couldn’t hear Michael’s. I broke the kiss and
smiled when I saw her pouting.

“Kayla’s here.” I told her.

Her eyes widened and she grinning broadly. “Really? Where? Is she
okay? Where is she?”

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Yes. I can hear her thoughts. She’s about a
mile away from where we stand.” I pointed north “This direction.”

And she ran off immediately.

I followed her and caught up to her in no time at all. We crossed Kayla’s

scent as we ran which made Bella run faster than I ever saw her before.
She outran me.

“Who’s there?” Kayla yelled from a distance. She must have heard us
approaching.

“Kayla?” she called out for her sister.

“Bella?” she asked. Her voice had a hint of panic.

We could see her a few yards away from us. Her face was surprised and
mingled with relief and pain.

“Oh Bella!” she sighed in relief and started running towards Bella until
she reached her and threw her arms around her.
I stopped a few feet away from them to give them some privacy.

“Don’t you ever, EVER do that ever again!” she tried to sound angry, but
happiness and joy overwhelmed her that her voice didn’t have the
slightest hint of anger. It wasn't even harsh at all. She was just so worried
about her. She loved her truly like her own flesh and blood sister.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Bella was crying. It caused me agony to hear
her crying. Of course she was happy to see her sister, but she was also
feeling guilty and ashamed for hurting her and worrying her this way.
And it was all because of me and my stupid reaction. If I hadn't left like I
did, if I didn’t run away like that, none of this would have happened. And
Bella wouldn’t be crying right now. This is all my fault.

“Oh I missed you so much. I was so worried about you. Are you okay?
Are you hurt?” Kayla’s voice turned a little panicky again.

“No, I’m fine. I’m okay now.” she glanced at me and then back at her
sister.

Kayla looked at me. She was surprised to see me standing there. She
didn’t realize my presence until Bella turned to look at me.

“Oh. You’re here.” her thoughts were confused, and her eyes were wary.

I smiled to assure her that I was fine. That I held neither hatred nor
bitterness what so ever. “Hello.”

Her face was set on the shocked expression, unchanged. But her mind, on
the other hand, was calculating.

“How in the world is he standing right there and not throwing a fit?
What changed his mind? What could possibly have …?”

“Oh.” she whispered.

“Bella. She changed his mind. She changed him. I could see it now …”
And then a series of visions flooded her mind.

“He’s in love with her …”

Bella standing next to me, our hands intertwined.

Bella running with my family.

Bella and I in the meadow, the one where I first told her that I loved her.

Bella and I kissing.

“And she’s in love with him …”

“Oh my God.” Kayla was beyond surprised. I could hear the surprised
silence in her thoughts. I could see it on her face. But her eyes were filled
with wonder.

“What?” Bella looked at me then at her then back at me again. “What’s

wrong? What is it?” her voice was a little anxious.

“How? I mean it happened in such little time? How did you guys fall in
love with each other so quickly? This is incredible.”

“I know.” I was grinning. “It just happened.”

“Wow! … You really love her, don’t you? Oh Michael is going to be so

…”
“Uh oh.” the smile was wiped off both her face and mine.

I completely forgot about Michael.

I was so concerned about Bella, and my family, and everything, that I

completely forgot the fact that Michael might not be very thrilled with
him knowing that I’m in love with Bella.

“Would somebody please tell me what’s going on?” Our silent

conversation was making Bella edgy.

“I know that Edward loves you and that you love him. And I’m happy for
you guys, honestly. But …” Kayla trailed off, not wanting worry Bella.

“But what?” she was already worried.

“Michael might not be as … accepting.” I tried to keep it as simple and as

plain as possible.

“Oh.” realization washed over Bella.

“Don’t worry. Everything is going to be fine.” she tried to calm her down.

Bella shot her a meaningful look - the last time she said that, I ended up
running away from Bella because I met her father who also happened to
be one of the vampires who slaughtered my family in cold blood -
meaning that it won’t help her if she said that.

Kayla understood. So she kept silent, trying to think of a solution.

“Where is Michael?” Bella asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since he told me that he would go

hunting on his own; because he needed time to think and all.” Kayla was
a little sad, but mainly worried.

“Did you call him on his cell?”

“Yes, but it’s turned off.”

“Can’t you see a clear vision of him?” I asked this time.

“No. It’s just … blank.” her thoughts were starting to get frantic.

“Hold on. Excuse me.” I excused myself and dialed Alice’s number.
“Hay Edward.” she answered.

“Alice, can you see Michael in one of your visions?” I asked her right
away.

A few moments passed. “Umm … no. I can’t see him. And I can’t see
you either. Is Bella there with you?” her voice was serious.

“Yes. And Kayla too.”

“I can’t see any of you!” now she was panicking.

“Okay. Alice, calm down. Alright? It won’t help us if you panic.”

“But why can’t I see you?” she asked me.

“Kayla, can you see Alice?” Kayla closed her eyes in concentration and
focused. Her thoughts went blank. But I knew she was just clearing her
head of everything so she could see Alice. And then she saw her.

Alice was standing with Jasper in the middle of the forest. Phone in hand.
She looked very nervous. Jasper was sending her calming waves. I could
tell because he seemed so focused on Alice.

“Alice, Kayla could see you and Jasper. But she can’t see Michael. And
you can’t see us. Where are you?” maybe we were in a specific zone that
neither Kayla nor Alice could see the future in. Like the Bermuda
Triangle. Only that it disables premonitions not electronics.

It didn’t sound likely.

“We’re not very far from our house. About a mile or two. Why do you
ask?”

“Is Carlisle near you?” I asked in urgency. I think I know why neither
Kayla nor Alice could see us. But how could this be?

“Yes. Wait a minute.” I heard a whoosh of air as she started running.

“Carlisle. It’s Edward.” I heard Alice faintly.

“Edward what‘s wrong?” Carlisle’s voice was concerned.

“Carlisle, the werewolves are here!”

Chapter7

Unexpected

EPOV:

“What? How do you know? Did you see any of them?” his voice was
getting more distressed by the second.

“Alice can’t see our future. Kayla can’t see Michael‘s. But Kayla could
see Alice’s future. Our future is lost. As it’s combined with theirs. It’s the
only explanation.”

It was silent for a while. Bella and Kayla’s eyes were filled with fear. It
reminded me vividly with my sister’s fear-filled eyes when we were
attacked, and, against my will, everything came flooding back into my
mind. But I tried to shake that dark memory from my head and looked
away from them.

I heard Bella gasp, I turned to look at her face. She was horror-struck.

She saw everything. She saw my mother, my sisters, my father, the four
vampires, her father …

I blocked her from my mind immediately. I didn’t want her to feel more
guilt than she already was.
A sob escaped her lips.

“Bella, please … don’t.” I begged her, I couldn’t see her like this.

“And you want to … forgive him? For me?” her voice broke twice.

I stared into her eyes. Agonized and speechless.

Before I could say anything, I heard a voice behind them. They too heard
it. They whirled around to see who or what was there.

“Bella …”

It was an unfamiliar mind. I looked left and right, till I spotted a furry
animal. A reddish brown … werewolf.

“This is impossible.”

“What is it Jacob?”

A different name asked. It was in his head. Jacob’s head. They were
communicating. Telepathizing. Fascinating.

“Bella. It’s Bella.”

He knew her? He knew Bella? Human Bella?

“Who’s Bella?” Another voice asked.

“Jacob’s best friend.” This seems to be their leader; his voice is very …
old.
“Yeah, she disappeared seven years ago. Right Jake?” This voice
sounded so young, a teenager maybe.

“Right.” he was hiding something but I didn’t have the chance to figure it
out. “I can’t believe how she’s still so unbelievably …” Jacob trailed off,
not knowing how to finish his sentence.

“So what?” A female voice asked. Females too?

“So … herself. So Bella. Yet so different”. Old memories flooded Jacob’s

mind. I saw her. I saw Bella. Long before she was changed. She was
magnificent. Her reddish lips, her pink cheeks, her crimson blush, her
warm brown eyes, and her humanity. She was so pure. So human.

“Jacob, get out of here. NOW!!” The old man screamed in his head.

“What? Why Sam?” Jacob was confused, and angry, he wanted to talk to
Bella.

“She’s not human. She’s a vampire. Now leave!” Sam warned Jacob. His
order was inevitable. It was like he was controlling him through his head.
He started to walk away, against his will.

“A vampire? No! Hell no! She couldn’t be. Bella cannot be a monster
Sam!” Jacob was arguing with him.

“Yes she can and she is. Now move! That bronze haired one is staring at
you. “Why do I feel like I know him? We’re on our way.”

“Wait a minute …” Jacob stopped walking. And turned to face me.

“Their eyes are not red, they’re … golden brown.”

“It doesn't matter, maybe it’s a decoy. Just move it! It’s not safe with you
on your own!”

“No Sam! I’m staying!” he was very determined.

“Jacob that’s an order! Walk away!” Sam’s orders were not affecting
him. Not at all.

“I handed you the leadership, but it doesn't mean that you could order
me around Sam!” Jacob was nearly snarling in his thoughts. And Sam
went silent for a while.
“Fine! Endanger yourself then. Why don’t you walk right to them in your
human form as well?” Sam was being sarcastic but Jacob was actually
considering it.

“Are you out of your mind?” The female voice interjected when she
heard what he was planning on doing.

“Leave him be Leah! He wants to get himself killed.” Sam wasn't

ordering her. He wasn't taking Jacob’s planning seriously.

“He’s being idiotic! Crazy!” Leah was running, I could see the trees
flying past her. She was impressively fast.

“He just misses her.” The young werewolf said.

“Shut up Seth!” both Leah and Sam thought at the same time, silencing
Seth.

“Enough! I’m going to them. That’s final.” With that being said, he hid
behind a bush and he transformed back to his human form.

Everything went silent. No more telepathy. Just his frantic thoughts. He

was thinking of what he would say. And how he would approach us
without frightening us. Without frightening Bella. Every thought he had
was about Bella.

“Edward would you please talk to me? Why was this huge wolf looking
at us like that?” Bella was pulling at my arm, I was so caught up in the
fascination of Jacob’s mind that I forgot everything around me. I was
completely inside his head.

“It’s not a wolf. He’s a werewolf. And he’s coming here.” I didn’t want
to tell her that she might know him. I’d leave that for him to unravel.

“How the hell did he know that I was coming?”

He ignored that, took a deep breath, and moved forward.

Bella was still looking at me in disbelief. She didn’t notice him coming.

“Bella.” he called for her.

She whirled her head to look at him. Her eyes were wide her mouth was
hanging open.

“Hey Bells.” he smiled sheepishly.

“Jacob?” She did know him.

“Wow, he’s so grown up. I haven’t seen him since … well, since I’ve
changed.”

I couldn’t tell if she was happy or scared. Shock was the main feeling.

“Oh my God. She’s absolutely stunning.” That thought angered me, but I
couldn’t blame him. She was stunning.

“You’re a … you’re a werewolf?” she was still taken aback by the

surprising, coincidental visit.

I tried to listen to her thoughts, but she was either blocking me out, or the
shock was just making her mind go blank.

“And you’re a vampire.” he snorted. “I guess that’s why you just

disappeared for seven years.” his face was agonized. He missed her. This
made me a little uncomfortable. Were they just friends? Or were they
more?

“Yeah. I’ve been busy trying not to kill humans.” she laughed. Which
surprised me really? I expected anything, but I didn’t see that coming. I
stared at her in confusion, but she paid me no attention.

“What do you mean? Don’t you and your other buddies there drink
people dry?” he asked with utter disgust.
Bella winced, and so did he. I wanted to cut his tongue for hurting her
feelings like that.

“Nah. We only drink the blood of animals.” her tone and the way she
replied completely startled me. She sounded like she wasn't just offended
by a worthless mongrel. Like he didn’t just call her a monster. She was
being casual.

“You do?” he sounded a little worried. He considers himself in the dinner

menu. Good.

“But I assure you that werewolves are not on the list.” she was smiling.

He laughed to make her think that he took it as a joke, but really he was
just relieved.

Her smile fell a little.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” he asked her before I did.

“I missed you a lot Jake.” she was pouting, and her eyes were glistening.

It was as if she sliced my chest open, took my heart out, cut it into small
little pieces then burnt it.

“I missed you too Bells.” he smiled and opened his arms, like she would
go running into his arms. She might have missed him, but I don’t think
she would hug him. Not in front at me at least.

But like she always does, she caught me off guard. She unthinkingly ran
into his arms.

I’ve never felt so much pain in my entire existence. Did she love him? He
loved her, that‘s for sure. But what about her? Did she love him back?

Oh God I would die, literally, if she left me. I was dying already. I
wanted to rip his arms off for just touching her, let alone embrace her.
But it’s her will. I can’t force her into something she doesn't want to do.
She wants him … then so be it.

“Where is your mom?” he asked her.

“Guess!” she smiled sheepishly, and then she grimaced. Was she
ashamed of being a vampire?
“Really?” his eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Renee? Sweet old Renee?
Renee that wouldn’t hurt a fly, Renee?” he chuckled.

She laughed along with him. “She still doesn't. I mean she feels so sorry
when she goes hunting. She only hunts when it’s absolutely necessary.”
they were very friendly, more than friendly.

This is just too much.

“It’s okay. You can go.” I didn’t notice that Kayla was watching me. She
must have seen the agony in my eyes and the pain that was written all
over my face. “I’ll explain to her. You need to go now.” There was an
odd urgency in her thoughts. “Go Now!”

I didn’t move. I wanted to know why she was so persistent that I should
leave.

"Edward please …” I blocked her out.

I looked back to Bella and Jacob.

I gasped.

I understood why she wanted me to leave. I wish I did, instead of being

my stubborn self.

I watched his fingertips tentatively brush from her temple down her cheek
to her jaw.

He was hiding something. They weren't just friends. They weren't just
best friends. They were more. They used to love each other.

She turned around quickly when she heard me. I must have looked like a
mess because she started to move towards me with cautious steps like I
was a mad person who was about to jump off a building. I wish it was
that simple.
I moved backwards, and she stopped walking, her eyes pleading …
apologetic? She was apologizing? What for? I couldn’t understand.

“Who’s that? Why does he look so … miserable?” I saw my face through

Jacob’s mind. I didn’t just look miserable. I looked like I was a 100 year
old mortal human.

“Oh God, this isn't going so good. He’s not going to understand. I didn’t
think they were serious I thought they were best friends maybe a little
more, like she told me before … uh oh …” Kayla realized a little too late
that I could read her mind. Now I knew.

I didn’t say anything, I couldn’t say anything, and I couldn’t do anything.

Because she didn’t jerk back. She didn’t move. She just smiled. She
didn’t object.

She loved him.

She still loves him.

My heart was twisting with pain inside my chest. I couldn’t bare this
anymore. I couldn’t help myself. A sob escaped my lips before I turned
around and ran. Again.

“No Edward stop!” I heard Bella calling.

I heard someone running behind me. I looked back to see her following
me. But I didn’t want stop. I couldn’t stop. I didn’t want to hear her
apologies. I didn’t want to hear anything.

“Please just listen to me.” she pleaded.

Why was she doing this to me? What did I ever do to her? What did I
ever do to deserve all this pain?

“Why?” I stopped abruptly. She stopped a few feet away from me. I
heard her moved closer. “Don’t!” I ordered.
She stopped.

“Please. Just listen to me. I-”

“Why??” I interrupted her. I wanted to know why she threw my heart

away like it was entirely worthless. I wanted to know why she chose him.
I wanted to know why she ever told me that she loved me when she loved
someone else.

She took a deep breath “I … I’m so sorry Edward.” she stuttered. “I

didn’t know that he would come back. I didn’t know that he was a
werewolf. I didn’t know …” she trailed off.

My legs were giving in. I couldn’t hold myself upright, so I held on to the
nearest tree. I was gasping for air, though I didn’t need to.

“Edward please-”

“Please what?” I scoffed. “I … believed you. And you …” I was on the

edge of breaking down. But I needed to get a grip. I needed to be strong. I
had to.

“I’m sorry …”

“Would you just stop apologizing? You have nothing to apologize for.
You love him. I understand.” No, I don’t understand. But I need to get
this over with.

This had to be over.

“You’ve hurt me … too many times Bella. Though I didn’t cause you any
harm. First, you used my feelings against me. And now you manipulated
me, tricked me into believing that you loved me-”

“I do love you Edward, I d-” she interrupted me, but I didn’t need to hear
this.

“NO!” I interrupted her harshly. “No, you don’t.” I turned around slowly
to face her.

Her face was crumbled with grief. This made me feel even worse.
“Edward I love you. Please believe me, I-” I closed my eyes and blocked
her.

I couldn’t bare this. If she won’t let me go, then I would walk away
myself. I looked at the ground and started.

“You don’t love me Isabella.” I felt tired; my entire body was aching. My
heart was worn-out. Although it didn’t beat for a century, it felt like it has
been beating for more than a hundred centuries nonstop. “If you did love
me, you wouldn’t have used my only weakness against me. If u did love
me, you wouldn’t have run into another man’s arms right in front of me.
If you did love me, you wouldn’t be apologizing to me right now for
choosing someone else.” I lifted my eyes from the ground to look her in
the eyes. “You don’t love me. You don’t even know me. And, clearly, I
don’t know you.”

She was crying tearlessly.

“I don’t know … I don’t know anything yet. Edward, please I just need
time to think.” she was pleading hopelessly. She knew I would say no.

“You don’t need time. You’ve already decided. You love him. You don’t
love me. It’s as simple as that.”

She didn’t speak. She just sobbed. She didn’t know what to say.

“I just fell in love with the wrong person, that’s all.” I smiled.

“I’m sorry.” she whispered.

“So am I.” I took another deep breath. “Goodbye Isabella. I hope you
have a long, happy life. Jacob is an extremely lucky man.” I blurted out
and then ran again.

I ran for nearly one hour before I stopped running and just collapsed on
the floor. I closed my eyes. I stopped moving. I stopped thinking. I
stopped breathing. I wanted to stop existing. If I can’t die. Then I’ll
pretend that I’m dead.

I thought I heard something or someone move close to me. But I didn’t

care. Maybe if I pretended to be dead, it would just go away.
“Hello Edward. Long time no see.”

My eye popped open wide.

This can’t be happening.

BPOV:

I had to do it. I had to let him go. I had to fake all of this to set him free.
The truth is I do love Jacob. As a brother. But nothing more. So does he.
But I had to let Edward go. He couldn’t sacrifice everything for me. I saw
what happened to his family. I saw his family members. His beautiful
mother, his handsome father, his beautiful sisters Olivia and Sarah. I saw
the four vampires. I saw Charlie. I saw the blood covered bodies. His
family. I felt his agony. His grief. I couldn’t be the reason he would give
up avenging his family’s death. Even though it would mean that I would
lose a member of my own family.

I pretended. I pretended that I loved Jacob. I pretended that I didn’t love

Edward. Though I was going to give in, but he was so convinced that I
didn’t love him, that he didn’t even believe me. So it didn’t matter. The
idea was planted in his head, and I could never change his mind. Because
he’s gone. He’s gone. Forever. My love. My life. Everything is over.

I stood there. Seeing nothing. Hearing nothing. Feeling nothing. It was

over.

“Bella?” I heard Kayla from behind me.

“Bells?” And Jacob.

I didn’t move.

“Bella? What’s going on?” Jake’s voice was a little panicky.

“He’s gone.” I managed to whisper before everything went black.

JPOV:
“Bella?” the female vampire called to her. But she didn’t move. She was
just standing there.

“Bells?” I gave it a shot, maybe she’d answer me.

Nothing.

“Bella? What’s going on?” I was starting to get nervous. I moved closer
until I was a few feet behind her.

“He’s gone.” she whispered so low and then she fell.

“BELLA!” the female vampire screamed and ran to her. I froze. I didn’t
move an inch. Did vampires faint? Do they just fall?

“Bella? Honey? Open your eyes. Come on. Oh please God no, please.”
the vampire was sobbing tearlessly.

“MICHAEL!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.

Is it possible for vampires to go crazy? Do they lose their minds too?

“Kayla!” I heard someone call the female vampire from far away. Maybe
she’s not crazy.

“Michael? Michael, where are you?” she yelled out, but not as loud as
before. She spun around trying to see where he is.

“Kayla! I’m here. What’s going on? What’s wrong?” I didn’t see him
coming. But he was right there beside her. He looked at me for a fraction
of a second then pushed Kayla back and crouched in front of her. Ready
to attack.

“Hay … wow … slow down their buddy. I’m not going to hurt anyone.” I
moved backwards, palms up, like I was going to get arrested or
something. This was very humiliating. But I couldn’t phase into a wolf
right now. I didn’t want to freak anybody out.

“Michael! Stop! It’s okay. He’s a friend. It’s okay.” she tried to pull his
arm so he would stand up straight again. He didn’t.
“Who are you? And what did you do to Bella?” he was speaking through
his teeth. Trying to scare me.

“I didn’t do anything. She just collapsed. Now could you please examine
her or something, I don’t thin-”

“Jacob?” Bella whispered so low that I thought I imagined it.

“Bella?” Kayla was at her side in a second. “Bella? Can you hear me?”
she brushed Bella’s hair away from her face.

I moved closer to see if she was okay, but Michael hissed and curled his
lips to show his teeth. Again, trying to scare me.

“Would you relax already? I said I’m not going to hurt her, or anyone
else!” I was starting to get a little pissed.

“Stay away you … what are you?” his face was twisted like he smelt
something bad. Well, he didn’t smell their sickeningly sweet scent that I
was enduring.

“He’s a werewolf Michael. He’s my friend.” Bella said while she was
trying to get up, but she fell back to the floor again.

This wasn't normal. And it was making me edgy.

“Slow down Bella. What happened? How are you feeling?” she supported
Bella to set up.

Bella’s face was heartbreaking. She was extremely tired. And filled with
grief. What in the world happened to her?

“I let him go.” she whispered.

“You let who go?” Michael walked to her side and sat down beside her.

“I let Edward go. I had to let him go.”

Michael and I were wearing the same confused mask. Kayla, on the other
hand, was shocked.

“What?” she breathed.

“I had to, Kayla. I couldn’t make him stay with me against his will. I
couldn’t let him stay knowing that I was causing him pain. That I …
stood in the way of his happiness. I couldn’t.” she was crying. Hard. And
it was killing me to see her like this. “He’s never going to forgive me.”
She wrapped her arms around her legs and but her head between her
knees. Like she always did when she was heartbroken or worried or
panicking.

I moved forward, ignoring the daggers that Michael was shooting my

way, and sat beside her. I wrapped my arms around her small shoulders.
She was extremely cold. But I didn’t care.

She twisted her body, threw her arms around me, and cried her heart out
against my chest.

I just held her gently. I started cooing “It’s okay. It’s alright. I’m here.”
but it only made it worse. So I shut my mouth up and just let her cry.

I looked at her sister. Her golden eyes looked absolutely hopeless. She
didn’t know what was happening to Bella. Or maybe she was just
worried. Maybe both.

Michael was silent. He sat down under a tree and he never much as
twitched. He didn’t take his eyes off of Bella. His face was crumbled with
grief.

Bella cried for hours nonstop. And with every sob, my heart was being
shattered to tiny little pieces. Over and over and over again.

Why was she so … crushed? I mean all I understood was that this
vampire guy, Edward, loved her, and that she had to let him go because
she was feeling guilty for hurting him. Was she in love with him?

Okay that was an idiotic question. Of course she was in love with him.
Why else would she be breaking apart like this?

She eventually slowed down her hysterical crying. But her cries were
replaced by soft, heartbreaking whimpers. I was going out of my mind.

Bella was never like this. Ever. She was always happy and chirpy and just
… human. This is not normal. She was shaking and shivering
uncontrollably and she’s been crying for almost 5 hours.

This is not normal.

She quieted down. And her breathing was back to normal. She looked
like she was asleep. It just killed me to see her like this.

I had to do something.

I looked at her sister and nodded. She sluggishly moved closer.

“You want to leave.” she wasn't asking. She looked and sounded
absolutely miserable.

“Just for a little while. I’ll be back.” I told both Kayla and Bella.

“Okay.” she sighed tiredly.

I got up from beside Bella and Kayla took my place. She gently laid her
arms around Bella and swayed her like she was trying to make a baby fall
asleep.

“Michael, can I talk to you for a minute.” I asked quietly. I was still not
very comfortable with trying to be polite to a vampire who was about to
attack me a few hours ago.

He got up and walked to me. “What?”

“I’m going to find Edward.” I mouthed so Bella wouldn’t hear.

He was about to object but I raised my hand up to let him know that I
wasn't finished. He closed his mouth and nodded for me to continue.

“I think she … faked that she was in love with me to show him that she
didn’t love him anymore. I mean Bella never let me touch her cheeks like
I did this morning. Ever. I was confused when she didn’t punch me or
make a face like she always did when I joked around. When I looked at
her face she was … trying not cry. She was forcing a smile. Edward
didn’t have a full view of her face that’s why he absolutely thought that
she was okay with it. I mean you didn’t see his face …” when I remember
the way he looked, it was like someone ran him over by a truck, shot at,
and was being burnt alive all at the same time. I’ve never seen anyone
like this. Not until Bella today at least. “So … maybe if I could convince
him that there’s nothing going on between me and Bella, maybe he’d
come back for her. I mean I don’t know what’s up with you guys and him
but-”
“Charlie.” he interrupted me. “The vampire who changed us, and whom
we used to consider to be our own father is the same vampire who killed
his family and changed him. Well, one of the four vampires who attacked
him and his family a hundred years ago.”

I stared at him. My jaw dropped to the floor and my eyes were bulging
out.

“His family? His FAMILY?” I hissed.

He grimaced.

“No wonder she felt guilty.” I was still dazed. How could he fall in love
with her? Was he crazy? Or maybe he was just a masochist. Yeah, he was
definitely a masochist.

“This is not going to be easy. Do you want me to help you look for him?”
he offered.

“No. I’ll find him, talk to him, and then I’ll pray that he would give her a
chance.” I wasn't kidding.

“Okay. Listen. Just be careful. The last time he saw Charlie, he was …
well, out of his mind would be an understatement.” he warned me.

“Thanks. Really appreciate the heads up.” he wasn't really helping. But
it’s better knowing now than have it as a surprise.

“Good luck.” he patted my shoulder.

“Umm … thanks.” I said awkwardly “I’m gonna need it, I think.”

And then I walked a few feet away into the bushes, phased and started
running.

And before I ran a few yards, I was attacked by everyone’s thoughts.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” Paul yelled in my head.

“We’ve been looking for you for hours.” Jared was relieved at least.

“Not cool man.” even Seth was worried.

“Jacob, where are you?” Sam was calm, but still angry.

“I’m going to find Edward to try and convince him to get back with
Bella.” Oh my God, that made me sound like a high school girl who was
trying to help her devastated girlfriend get back with her boyfriend.

Silence was over taken by every single one. Even me.

“That was …” Jared was at a loss of words.

“Awkward.” Leah got it right.

I sighed they wouldn’t understand without all the details. So I ran the
whole scene like a video through my head so they would get the point.

“Do whatever you need to do.” Sam was … very understanding.

“I know him.” Sam stated.

“You know who?” I asked him.

“Edward. Edward Masen.”

I stopped running. Silence.

He mentally sighed. “My grandfather found him about a hundred years

ago. In London. When he found him, it was too late. The transformation
has already started and the venom was spread across his system. There
was no way of stopping it.” I was still standing as still as a statue. “The
way he was screaming, the way he was writhing in pain still haunts me
ever since my father told me. This memory was one of many memories
that were passed down from my great grandfathers to me.”

Everyone was silent. I was silent. I’ve never felt so sorry for a vampire
before. They really do suffer. This means that Bella had to suffer. For
three days. Three days …

“We chased the vampires out of London. We did catch one. A female. A
blond female. She told my grandfather everything. Who they were. What
their names were. And why they changed Edward specifically. And then
she ran away. They searched for her for ages, but it was like she
disappeared. I never knew why they changed Edward. Edward of all
people. My father never told me. He only told me that he would save the
humans and would be of great importance one day.”

“Thanks Sam.” I started running again. I had to find him. I had to tell him
everything. He deserves that much.

I heard Leah phase to her human form. Where was she going?

“She’s with Bella.” Seth told me.

“Why? What is she doing?”

“She just wanted to talk to Bella. Maybe she would help her.”

Why was Leah trying to help?

Seth didn’t know why either.

I crossed his scent. It was strong. I looked around and sniffed. I moved to
where his scent got stronger. I recalled it perfectly from when I was
hunting before. When I first saw Bella.

I stopped.

Too many scents mingled together suddenly. Broken branches. A sign of

a struggle. His scent was here. This doesn't seem good.

“I’m coming.” Sam told me.

“Me too.” Paul added.

“Okay. I’m gonna need a lot of help.” I thought for a while. “Jared?” I
called him.

“Yeah?” he was sleeping.

“Sorry Jared, but you’re gonna have to go and tell Michael what
happened.” I flitted through the memories, our conversations, and what I
just found.

“Wow. I missed a lot when I was sleeping. Is it okay with you Sam?” he
asked for Sam’s permission.

He was unsure.

“Sam, he has to know. She has to know.” I tried to convince him.

“You could go. Just be careful Jared.” he wasn't 100% convinced but he
knew I was right.

“Sure thing.” and he started running instantly.

I heard someone behind me. I turned around and spotted a dark silver
wolf. Paul.

“That was fast.” I complimented.

“Nah, I was just near you. About a mile or two from here. So? What
happened here?” he checked out the mess that was caused due to - what I
think - a big fight.

“A fight?” he was inconveniently excited. “Oh, c’mon! We hardly get

any action in La Push anymore.”

I just stared at him.

“God, you are one party pooper.”

I moved away from him and started sniffing. Trying to differentiate the
scents apart. It was difficult, but not impossible.

“There are about 5 different scents apart from Edward’s scent.” I

announced.

“Uh … Jake? Come check this out.” Paul called for me, he was looking
at something.

I walked to his side and saw what he was looking at. A piece of cloth -
probably from a shirt - and a note.

I phased to my human form and picked up the note.

Dear Bella,

My name is Hillary; I’m one of the vampires who helped in the

transformation of your beloved Edward. We’ve been looking for your boy
for almost a century now. But we never found him. Not until today
anyways. We just came across him by … accident. He was very unwilling
at first, but we managed to control him. He’s very strong I might say.
Though he looked utterly miserable. Anyways, you will never see your
Edward again. There will be a new Edward. A new Edward who would
lead our trained army of vampires to take over the world. And the
humans would be like the lamps that are scattered throughout the world
with lions outnumbering them. We’ve been building this army for two
centuries so far. Well, I won’t delay you from continuing your miserable
life.

P.S: Charlie is with us. He never thought that you would sell him out like
you did. Especially you. So he turned against you.

With sincere gratitude for making it easier to find him,

Hillary.

“Oh my God.” I breathed.

Paul yelped. I looked to him. Even when he’s a wolf, I could see the
worrisome in his eyes.

I put the note between my teeth and phased back immediately.

“Paul follow the scent. NOW!” I growled.

“Oh shit!” he saw the letter in my head. He caught the scent and
followed it.

“Sam?” I called for him.

“He’s not here he phased to his human form. He told me to tell you that
he would be gone for a while. Emily needed him.” Seth informed me.

“Damn it!” I thought for a while. “Seth go to him and tell him to phase
back. Now! Go!” I started running back to Bella and Michael.

“Do I tell them? Do I not tell them? What?” Jared was freaking out. He
was being pressured from everyone. Bella especially.

“No. Tell them that I’m coming.” I ran as fast as I can.

I reached them in no time. I phased quickly, put on my shorts, took the
letter from my mouth, and ran my way to Bella who had her back to me.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized before handing her the letter.

She turned around. She was … indescribable. Her face was so dismal.
She looked like she had completely lost her mind. Her eyes were wild and
she was just … anything but Bella. She looked like a real vampire.

She snatched the letter from my hands and read it.

She just froze. She stared at the piece of paper for a long time with an
unfathomable expression on her face. She didn’t move an inch.

I thought I heard a very low whimper escape her mouth. I wasn't sure.

“NOOOOOOO!” she shrieked so loud that it made my hair stand up.

She fell to her knees and started to scream.

Everyone was frozen in place. Leah was in her wolf form she was
standing with pity in her eyes. Jared was shocked. And so was Michael.
Kayla took the letter and read it. She collapsed next to her and tried to
calm her down. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t
speak. I couldn’t do anything. I can’t imagine the pain that she must be
in. I couldn’t say or do anything that could help her. Edward was her
love. And now he’s gone.
Chapter 8

Army

(Carlisle) POV:

I didn’t know what was going on. Alice was moving around trying to see
what was happening. But she saw nothing. “Blank” she said. Esme was
worrying out of her mind. Jasper was trying to calm everyone down.
Even Emmett was restless. Kayla called us and told us that Edward has
ran away, because Isabella told him that she didn’t love him, or that she
loved someone else. She wanted to let him go. She wanted to set him
free.

Poor girl, she must be in a horrible shape by now. She’s always so

sacrificing.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Everyone stopped moving and

concentrated on me.

I answered it hurriedly. “Yes?” I didn’t check who was the caller was.

“Carlisle?” a stranger’s voice answered, his voice was subdued.

“Yes this is he. Who is this?”

“My name is Sam. I’m from La Push. I’m a werewolf, the leader.” he
introduced himself.

“Oh. Hello Sam. How my I help you?” I was puzzled by the weird
introduction.

“Jacob is another werewolf, he is also a friend of Bella’s. He was

searching for your son in order to bring him back to Bella since she was
incredibly devastated.” he took a deep breath, but didn’t continue.

“Yes? Go on. I’m listening.” I urged him; maybe he had some news about
Edward.

“He picked up his scent. And he followed it. He reached a place in the
middle of the forest and your son’s scent was mixed with 5 more different
scents that belonged to vampires. The place was trashed. Meaning that
there seems to be a fight had happened there.”

Esme covered her mouth to suppress her whimpers.

“A fight?” I breathed.

“I’m afraid so.” he held his breath.

“What?” my voice broke.

“There was note found there.”

“Was it from Edward?” Oh please, please, please …

“No.” No?

“Who was it from?” I urged.

“One of the vampires who changed your son. Hillary.” he spoke slowly
and quietly.

Impossible.

This can’t be happening.

“NOOOOO!” a shriek broke through the silence. I swirled around to see

Alice kneeling on the floor.
“Alice??” Jasper was at her side in no time at all.

“Alice? What’s wrong? What did you see?” I kneeled beside her laying
my hand on her shoulder.

Alice started sobbing tearlessly.

“Alice? Honey? What’s going on?” Jasper was at a loss of what to do. He
just held her shoulders for support.

“It’s Edward.” she choked out.

My heart fell.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her again.

“I saw him … I saw him with blood red eyes … I saw him.” she was
sobbing uncontrollably. “Behind him … were hundreds … of
bloodthirsty … vampires. This wasn't Edward. This was a monster. A
vicious monster.” she was holding on to Jasper for support. Her entire
body was shaking.

“Alice, calm down. It’s going to be fine. It’s alright.” I didn’t even
believe myself.

“It’s okay Alice. It’s okay love.” Jasper held her securely in his arms and,
what I assume, started to send her calming waves.

“No it’s not! We’re going to lose him if we don’t do something!” her
voice was utterly panicked.

“Carlisle, what should we do?” Jasper asked me.

I thought for a moment.

“We would search for him. We would go to where the fight has happened
and we would follow the scent of the vampires. Maybe it would lead us to
him.”

“Don’t you dare and ask me to stay behind Carlisle.” Esme threatened.
Her tone was harsh. And her face was serious yet very miserable.

“I couldn’t ask you that Esme.” I assured her.

“I’m coming too.” Alice was relaxing a little.

“Everyone would come. We have to find him. Before it’s too late.”

I really hope we do.

BPOV:

This is my fault.

This is all my fault.

“Zafrina, we need your help.” Carlisle was calling every vampire he

knew from all around the world. So far, he called ten powerful vampires.
The Irish clan - Maggie, Siobhan and Liam. The Egyptian clan - Amun,
Kebi, Benjamin, Emma and Tia. The Romanian clan - Stefan and
Vladimir. The problem is none of them are vegetarians. They all feed on
human’s blood. And that wasn't very comforting. They did promise that
they would hunt outside of forks parameters, but still. The idea of having
“real bloodthirsty” vampires near my home was a little … unpleasant.

The werewolves were here with us. They wanted to help. Not ever did a
werewolf help a vampire, let alone a pack of werewolves. Sam, Jacob,
and Seth were here. They were the ones who were comfortable enough to
stay with nine vampires under one roof.

Bloodthirsty vampires.

Angry werewolves.

Not a very good combination.

But they wanted to help us find Edward. To bring him back to his family.
To bring him back to me.

This is all my fault.

“Thank you Zafrina. I really appreciate it. Could you bring Kachiri and
Senna with you?” he was calling the Amazon coven. Alice told me that
they were very close friends to the Cullen’s family.
“That’s wonderful. Thank you. When will you arrive?” she seems to have
agreed to bring her small coven with her.

“Outstanding. We’ll see you tomorrow then. Goodbye.” he gently shut

the phone. And looked back to his family.

“All right then. The Amazon clan is coming tomorrow. The Irish clan and
the Egyptian clan are coming the day after. And finally the Romanian
clan is coming today.” he looked at Kayla, Michael and me - me
especially. “They look quite hostile. They have lived a very long,
horrifying life as vampires. They’ve spent most of it controlling Europe.
But then the Volturi took over. Banning them outside of Europe. So they
have spent almost fifteen hundred years trying to win their throne back.
But all in vain, the Volturi are a very powerful clan. They are the royal
clan.” He was both warning us and informing us. I’ve lived seven years
as a vampire but I’ve never heard of those Volturi. I seem extremely
young to the other vampires. The Cullens included. I wasn't very thrilled
to meet them.

“Carlisle?” I called.

“Yes Bella.” his voice was so kind, his eyes were tinder, and he was very
nice to me. He treated me almost like his daughter. I didn’t deserve this. I
was the reason Edward wasn't here right now. I was the reason for all this
mess. How could he be so warm-hearted to me?

“Bella what’s wrong?” his face was worried now. He moved to sit next to
me.

“Why are you so nice to me?” my voice broke. This wasn't my question. I
wanted to him to tell me about the clans, their powers, and how they live.
But his endless love caught me off guard. This question was much more
important.

“What do you mean?” he frowned in confusion. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because this is all my fault. If it wasn't for me Edward would still be

here. If it wasn't for me he wouldn’t be held captive by the same vampires
who tortured him. If it wasn't for me he would be happy, safe and-”
“Bella, Bella listen to me.” he stopped my ranting. “This is not your fault
my dear. None of this is your fault. They would have found him
eventually. And you only pushed him away because you thought that it
would make him happy to not have anyone in the way of his revenge.
Including yourself.” his eyes were pouring kindness and love, which
made me feel even worse. He shouldn't be so understanding. I don’t
deserve this.

“I’m so sorry Carlisle.” I started crying tearlessly, I was unable to stop

myself.

I heard someone sigh tiredly. I bet it was Jasper.

He gently laid his hand on my shoulder. He was consoling me. While it

should have been the other way around. I tried to stop crying. And
succeeded. I pulled myself together. And sniffed involuntarily. Out of
habit.

“There was something else you wanted to ask me.” He smiled gently.

How did he know? “Umm … yes. I wanted you to tell me what the
covens are like. Just to be prepared.”

“Of course. Well, the Amazon coven are our closest friends like Alice
said. Zafrina is the leader, she is a very powerful woman, she looks quite
wild.” he chuckled. “But she’s still very tender. Looks could be
deceiving. Her allies are Senna and Kachiri, they are inseparable. Zafrina
could manipulate the mind. Meaning that she could make you believe that
you are standing in the middle of the desert when you really are standing
inside the house. Just a simple illusion of the mind.”

“Wow.” I mused.

He chuckled. “Yes indeed.”

“What about the Egyptian coven?” Michael asked. I didn’t know that he
was listening. But then when I looked around, almost everyone was
listening.

“Well, the Egyptian coven are very powerful. Amun is their leader, and
when he found Benjamin, he knew that he had a powerful gift. And he
was right. Benjamin is capable of influencing the elements - earth, wind,
water, fire. True physical manipulation.” Michael, Kayla, and I were
staring at him in fascination. He smiled and continued. “The … women -
Tia and Emma - are extremely beautiful. Like Cleopatra. They have …
elegance, grace, and fluency. I thought their beauty is quite enough to
manipulate men.” he laughed along with everyone else. “But Emma has
quite a special gift. She has the ability to move an object, a person, or
even herself without the use of any physical force. Teleporting.”

“That’s cool.” Jacob commented. Totally bewildered by what Carlisle

was saying.

“That’s kinda like Benjamin’s gift though, isn't it?” Seth asked this time.

“Not entirely. Benjamin has the ability to ignite fire out of nothing. He
could condense the air to form water and vice versa. And to move the
wind to where he pleases with whichever force he wants - light wind
breeze, strong wind, or even a hurricane. He could start an earthquake, or
speed up the growing process of plants. Emma, on the other hand, could
only move objects from one place to another. It’s limited, but still quite
useful.” just when he finished talking I heard a car turn into the hidden
dirt road towards the Cullens house.

“This must be Vladimir and Stefan. They’re here early.”

“No.” everyone looked at me. “They’re not the Romanians.” I stated.

There were more than two vampire in the car.

“Then who is it?” Sam asked.

“It’s us.” a female voice declared.

“Tanya?” Esme breathed.

“And us too.” another female voice spoke up.

“Kate and Eleazar.” Rosalie practically beamed. She didn’t speak the
entire time I was here. She just stared at me with complete hatred and
accusation.

They parked in front of the house, got out, and shut the doors.

Jasper was closest to the door, so he went to open it. He tried to smile, but
it was forced. I was sure the grief that he was sensing from everyone
around him, apart from his own, was immensely affecting him.
“Welcome Tanya, Eleazar, Carmen, Kate, Garrett.” He shook hands with
each of them as they went in.

Tanya was … beyond beautiful. Her amazing figure, her long strawberry
blond hair, her full lips, she was absolutely perfect.

Eleazar was as tall as Jasper, very handsome, and he looked like he has
been a vampire for a really long time, he walked in the living room. He
kept on glancing at me from time to time out of suspicion.

Carmen was very … elegant. She waltzed her way inside the Cullens
house, she had a beautiful, kind smile.

Kate had a small figure, but still beautiful, more like Alice. She didn’t
look as chirpy as Alice though. But I wouldn’t know. Even Alice wasn't
chirpy.

Garrett was a tall vampire with long sandy hair and he looked like an
adventurer. His eyes were wide and excited, yet very serious.

Jasper’s eyebrows shot up suddenly. “Irina?”

“Irina?” Carlisle asked in astonishment.

“It seems that none of you expected me.” Irina said as she walked in.

She was too pale. Paler than most vampires. Her beautiful light-colored
hair made her paler than usual. She looked like she was an angel.

“Oh. No not at all dear. You’re welcome at all times.” Esme tried to
welcoming. Though her voice was strained due to her grief over her son.

“Thank you Esme.” she smiled, unlike the others whom their faces were
filled with sorrow. But as soon as she took a deep breath her smile was
wiped off completely. She looked around and spotted Jacob, Seth, and
Sam sitting near the fire place. She stiffened. “What are these mongrels
doing here Carlisle?” she spoke through her teeth.

“They are guests Irina. They are here to help us-”

“Help you? Guests?” she shot Carlisle a threatening glance then looked
back at the werewolves who were now looking at her warily, fearing that
she would spring at them. “Did you forget that THESE MONGRELS are
the very ones who killed Laurent?” she was fuming.

This was not good.

“They are not werewolves, Irina!” I was not only surprised by that
statement, but I was also surprised by the way Carlisle said it. I have
never heard him speak in such a harsh tone. Ever.

Sam, Seth, and Jacob were all gaping at Carlisle like he was speaking in a
foreign language. He might have been.

“What?” Irina hissed.

“They are not werewolves.” he composed himself. “Werewolves are

called Children of the moon. We’re in the middle of the day.” he said
sarcastically.

We were still gawking at him like he had three heads. Especially Sam,
Jacob, and Seth.

He cleared his throat and continued. “Though they think of themselves as

werewolves, they are not. The more accurate name for them would be
shape-shifters. The choice of a wolf form was only a coincidental. It
could have been a bear or a hawk or a panther when their first change was
made. They truly have nothing to do with the Children of the moon. They
have only inherited this form from their fathers. It’s genetic - they don’t
continue their species by infecting others the way true werewolves do.”

Silence. Irina straightened up from her crouch slowly, and stood there
unable to speak.

“So then ...” Sam’s voice was gruff from the shock of the news. He
cleared his throat. “We are … shape-shifters?”

“Yes. I’ve spent some quality time trying to study your species. I
compared your development with the way the werewolves … spread. I
found out that there was nothing in comparison. Absolutely no relation
what so ever.” he was calm. But sadness was getting the better of him. It
was evolving. But slowly. He really misses his son. He just doesn't want
to show it. He has to stay strong. For Esme. For everyone. But he was
breaking down already.
“My apologies.” Irina looked sincere.

“It’s alright. None of us knew that.” Sam smiled. Very low, half-hearted
chuckles echoed through the room.

“Who are you?” Tanya asked me. I could see that she’s been eyeing me
since she came inside but I ignored her. It seems that her curiosity got the
best of her.

“My name is Isabella. I’m-”

“You’re Edward’s love.” she stared at me. First in shock. Then she was
just stared at me in disbelief - like it wasn't rational for someone like
Edward could have loved someone like me.

Honestly I couldn’t blame her. It was irrational.

“Not anymore.” I murmured so low that I barely even heard myself.

“Why would you say that?” Alice looked at me accusingly.

“That’s absurd.” Esme retorted.

“Bella!” Carlisle shot me a look that made me look away. Out of shame.

“That’s ridiculous.” Even Rosalie objected.

“You will always be Edward’s love.” Jasper’s voice was subdued but it
over shadowed the rest. “Now stop doubting yourself or Edward, and
please … I’m begging you, stop blaming yourself. There wasn't anything
you could do to save him, let alone stopping them from taking him
away.” his eyes were piercing, his words - although they were spoken in a
low voice - were lashing at me from all sides, and his face was making
me believe every single word. His face wasn't angry nor was it sorrowful.
It was serious, determined, and intense. It made my heart ache. It was as
if he read my own mind, through my feelings.

His eyes were suddenly tender. “You are family Bella.”

My heart could have fluttered to life because of what he just said.

“How could you even doubt that?” Rosalie surprised me by her question.
I expected that anyone would have asked that question. Anyone. But not
Rosalie.
I thought she didn’t like me.

“She thinks that she’s not worth our love. She blames herself for what
had happened to Edward.” Jasper explained. My face would have been on
fire with embarrassment and shame if I was human.

“That’s irrational Bella. You can’t possibly blame yourself. You of all
people.” Esme was getting angry.

“Why not? I did this. I did all of this. This was all because of me! I could
have handed him gift-wrapped to these vile monsters instead. It was my
fault. None of this would have happened if it wasn't for me.” I was
screaming by the time I finished. I needed to get out. I needed to do
something.

I ran out the door before anyone had the chance to stop me or to snap
back at me with more irrational ideas and how I’m NOT the reason
Edward is a prisoner in the hands of some merciless beasts doing God
knows what to him.

I shuddered at the images that flitted through my head of what could they
be doing to him.

I ran. I just ran through the woods. Hoping and praying that I would catch
his scent somewhere. Anywhere.

I heard someone following me. I stopped and whirled around. An

involuntary growl escaped my lips. I scanned the forest for any
movements until I found Jacob coming out from behind the bushes in his
human form.

“Don’t even think of trying to stop me! I’m going to look for him. I have
to-”

“I won't stop you.” he interrupted me.

“Then why are you here?”

“I’m here to help you find him.” he moved forward slowly.

“Why?” I knew that Jacob at some point was not thrilled by the fact that I
loved Edward. I know that somehow in the past he loved me. But he kept
it to himself. Though I knew, I never told him, and he never told me.
“Because I know how it feels to lose someone you love, I know that you
feel that you have to do something. That you can’t just … sit around and
wait for the good news or the bad news. I know how it feels when you
think or know that someone you love is being hurt.” his eyes watered a
little. But otherwise, he looked extremely strong.

I still can’t get over the fact that the 16-year-old boy that I knew was now
a 23-year-old man with a huge responsibility on his shoulders.

“How did you control the … outrage? How did you keep all this pain
inside of you? I can’t think. I can’t breathe. I can’t … I can’t …” I started
sobbing again. This pain that I was feeling right now was taking over me.
Crippling me.

Jacob closed the distance in two long strides and pulled me into his
flame-hot chest. His warmth always made me feel safe. Made me feel like
I was home. Made me feel like I was human Bella.

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t know why I was apologizing for. I just knew that I
had to.

“Me too.” he took my face in his hands and looked at me straight in the
eye. “It’s going to be okay now.” he smiled the Jacob smile that I always
loved. I smiled weakly in return.

Jacob’s smile faded. His eyes were smoldering. Sad. But there was
something else. Longing?

He leaned down slowly. Our faces were so close. Too close. I was about
to protest but I heard a noise about a few feet away. I looked around to
see who was there.

Jacob followed my gaze were I stood frozen in place.

My heart dropped.

(Hillary) POV:
“Well, it took us a century to find you again. You’re a very hard guy to
find.” I smiled triumphantly at him.

He didn’t speak. He kept his eyes on the floor. His body unmoving.

“Your sister Alice is a very talented seeker.” he snapped his head up at

the mentioning of his sister’s name.

“Don’t … even … think …” he spat every word. But I interrupted him

mid-threat.

“Relax. I won't harm them.” again I smiled for catching his attention. I
used the same exact words the last time I saw him. When he was still
human. With his family.

He struggled to get out of the titanium chains, growling. We used that

kind of metal so he couldn’t break out of them. It’s extremely strong.
Even for vampires. Especially vampires who weren't fed for three days.

I laughed and walked out of the windowless room.

“NO! YOU WILL NOT HURT THEM! STAY AWAY FROM THEM!
…” his voice faded as I walked down the hall. He didn’t know the power
that he coveted. He didn’t know that he could rule the world. He would
thank me for this.

“Hillary.” I heard Christina call me.

“Yes?” I turned around and greeted her with a smile.

“Guess who I found.” she smile wickedly.

“Who?” I was already excited.

“Isabella. Edward’s mate.” she was grinning.

“Where?” I asked her urgently.

“At the Cullens house.” she was silent for a moment. “She’ll be outside in
a few minutes. She’d be outraged. But the werewolf would comfort her.”

“Peter! Get him out of the chains and bring him to me at once!” I ordered
one of the guards.
He ran across the hall. I heard Edward struggle but Peter was a strong
vampire. He came back with Edward. He was holding his arms behind his
back.

“Where are you taking me?” he demanded. Still trying to get out of
Peter’s unbreakable grip.

I smiled and nodded for Peter to follow Christina.

I whispered in Edward’s ear as he passed. “You’ll see.” he flinched away.

I laughed. And watched him go out.

This is going to break him. This is going to make him obey me. Until he’s
strong enough at least.

EPOV:

I didn’t know where they’re taking me. I couldn’t break out of this
vampire’s grip. But I didn’t give up. I just thrashed left and right.

“Silence.” the blond vampire - Christina - silenced me. I kept silent

instantly. She could have had my family held captive. She could be
torturing them. I flinched at the possibilities.

“Just a few more moments.” she was waiting for someone. Who?

Just then I heard someone running. Light, familiar footsteps.

I gasped. But the giant vampire covered my mouth.

Bella. It was Bella. Oh please don’t hurt her. Please no, no, no, no, no, no
…

I saw her. I wanted to hear her voice. To touch her skin. To hold her in
my arms. To smell her scent. I needed her. I memorized every feature of
her. Her face was … it was miserable? What happened? Why is she sad?
I focused on her. Hopped that she wasn't blocking me.

“Where are you? Oh God please … where did you go? Where did they
take you? …” her thoughts were chaotic. Then my face was printed in her
mind. Memories of her and I. What did that mean?

“Someone’s following me.” she stopped abruptly and twirled like an

elegant ballerina. And … growled? I’ve never heard her growl before.

She skimmed through the forest. I searched too. I spotted reddish brown
fur. Then it disappeared. And in its place was … Jacob.

I wanted to jump down his throat. To drink his filthy blood dry. To kill
him.

He came out of the bushes and walked slowly to Bella.

“Don’t even think of trying to stop me! I’m going to look for him. I have
to-” she was yelling at him, but he interrupted her.

“I won’t stop you.”

“I can’t stop you if I tried.” he added in his thoughts.

“Then why are you here?” she was confused. So was I.

“I’m here to help you find him.”

“She loves him. She really does. But what if she doesn't find him. She’d
be so broken. I have to be there for her. She’s not mine. But she’s still my
friend.” his thoughts were honest. He cared for her. But … didn’t she
choose him over me?
“Why?” she was getting more confused by the second.

“Because I know how it feels to lose someone you love, I know that you
feel that you have to do something. That you can’t just … sit around and
wait for the good news or the bad news. I know how it feels when you
think or know that someone you love is being hurt.” his heart was
missing beats.

“God this hurts to say out loud.” he was in pain. Why was this
happening? He’s right in front of her. She loves him. Why was she so
miserable? Why was he broken hearted? Why was this happening?

Bella was starting to break. But why? “How did you control the …
outrage? How did you keep all this pain inside of you? I can’t think. I
can’t breathe. I can’t … I can’t …” she was crying. Hard. My heart was
quivering with agony. What was going on? I don’t understand anything.

He walked to her quickly and embraced her. Just like before. The cut was
reopened. Though it was never closed. But it was wider. Too wide. My
heart was being ripped apart.

“I’m sorry.” she apologized. Why was she apologizing? Did she
reconsider? Why was this happening? Why were they making me watch
this? Was this a form of torture? It was working.

“Me too.”

“I wish I kept on searching. You were so close. But I lost you. I’m sorry
Bella. I love you.” he added in his mind.

She looked up to him, and she smiled. They were too close. Inches apart.
He was leaning in. She didn’t stop him. I can’t watch this. I struggled out
of the man’s grip but I couldn’t get loose. He was still closing the
distance.
My protests were muffled by the hand that covered my mouth. I wanted
to say NO! I wanted to beg them to kill me.

Christina nodded to the vampire to let me go. He did. When my legs hit
the ground, it made a crackling sound, breaking the twigs on the wet
ground.

I looked up from my feet to look at Bella. She was looking at me with a

horrified expression.

“Edward?” she mouthed.

“Why?” I breathed. I couldn’t force my lungs to push the air out.

“No. No please. No. I didn’t mean to. It’s not what you-”

“I don’t want to see you again.” I interrupted her. I was better off without
her apologies. I didn’t know what I was saying. It just came out.

“What?” I could all but hear her heart break.

“I … don’t … want … to see you … again. Ever.” I spoke every word

with as much elaborated hatred as possible.

“No. Please Edward don’t do this.” she was breathing the words. Good,
she felt the same way I did.

“Please, I love you, I love you so much. You’re my life. Please.” she
thought the words.

“I don’t want to hear it.” I silenced both her uttered words and her
thoughts. “I don’t love you.” I said the most absurd words I could ever
think of. No one could ever believe me, but I wanted her to at least
acknowledge that I‘m in pain. That she caused me pain.

“He doesn't love me. Of course he doesn't. Why would he?” she believed
me. She believed me?
“You … don’t … love … me.” she was so convinced that I didn’t love
her. It was carved in her brain. In her heart. She truly believed that I
didn’t love her.

“I …” I didn’t know what to tell her.

“I understand. It’s okay.” did she just say that the fact that I don’t love
her was … okay?

“Okay?” I didn’t believe my ears. She couldn’t be okay with this. I’m not
okay with this.

“You don’t love me. But you love your family. Come back for them.”
what was she talking about? I was held against my will.

“I can’t.” I looked behind me to see Christina looking at me.

“Hurry up. Time is running out.” she warned.

I flinched. I looked back at Bella “I have to go.”

“Why Edward? Why would you do this? You’ve always fought for what
you thought was right. Why would you give up on that now?” I didn’t
understand. What did she think I was doing? I was held captive. Did she
think that I joined them? She couldn’t possibly think that.

“If you as much as utter anything that would mean you are not free. Your
beloved Bella would get ripped apart and burnt right in front of you.
Literally.” she was smiling in her thoughts. I winced at the pictures that
were flickering through her head.

“I’m sick and tired of pretending to be something that I’m not. I’m not
human. I’m a vampire. I am supposed to kill humans so I could survive.”
Lies … all lies. She can’t believe that. She just can’t.
“He … he’s gone. Edward’s gone. I lost him. I did this.” she was
sobbing. I could feel the pain that she was feeling. It was ripping me
apart. How could she believe that. No! It’s not true!

“Something’s off.” Jacob suspected me. I looked at him instantly. I

nodded quickly once. He frowned in confusion. “What’s up with him?
Why is he staring at me like that? How does he always know what I’m
about to do? Does he predict the future?” I shook my head. “What the
…?? Can he read my mind?” I nodded, no one noticed our quite
conversation. He starred at me wide eyed. “Oh crap! He reads minds.
He’s a mind reader!?” he was freaking out. I begged him with my eyes
not to make a scene. I looked at Bella once, then in the direction of two
vampires who were behind me, and then I looked back at him.

“So … you read minds. And you’re lying to Bella. Because you were
threatened by the freaky vamps behind you?” I nodded slightly. He was
smart. No wonder he was handed the leadership. No wonder he turned it
down.

“Do you want me to tell Bella … later?” I didn’t know the answer of that
question. I didn’t want to put her in danger. I couldn’t live with myself if
anything happened to Bella. Even if she doesn't love me.

“Hey.” he called me in his head. He’s used to talking using his mind. I
looked at him. “I want you to see this. Just so you would know that she
was lying and that she’s really in love you. No one else.” I frowned in
confusion. See what? I waited.

He closed his eyes in concentration and played all the events that
happened while I was gone. Starting from the moment after I left her in
the forest.

Bella’s frozen body, seeing nothing.

Bella collapsed on the floor. Why was she on the floor? What happened?

“Do vampires black out?” he asked. “She did.”

Bella crying hysterically.

Her soft whimpers.

Her grave eyes.

Her blank expression.

Bella’s outburst. Yelling at Carlisle and the rest of my family. Tanya?

Tanya’s clan was there? Tanya was there? Oh Bella …

Jasper’s break down. The pressure that he was under was unbearable.

Bella running, stopping, turning around then growling at him.

Bella’s furious face.

Bella’s heartbreaking face when I told her that I didn’t love her.

“She loves you. If you don’t see that then your blind!” he glared at me.

I looked back at Bella. Her face was expressionless. Her eyes were grave.
She looked so … lifeless.

“Take care of her.” I told Jacob without taking my eyes off of her.

She looked up to meet my gaze. I tried to tell her that I loved her with my
eyes. I repeated it in my thoughts more than once.

I love you. I love you. I love you …

She just stared at me. She didn’t hear me. She didn’t understand. Well,
Jacob is going to tell her for me.

I looked at Jacob. He nodded once.

“I’ll tell her wither you like it or not.” he told me in his mind.

I smiled a small smile. Telling him that it was okay.

“Good luck.” he glanced at Bella for a second then looked back at me.
“For her.”

I tried to swallow the lump that was in my throat. But I failed. I nodded.

“Time’s up. Say your goodbyes.” Christina was starting to get impatient.

“Goodbye Isabella.” I blurted out then started walking away fast.

“NO! Wait!” her voice broke. Willing my legs to stop. I closed my eyes
and turned around slowly.

“What?” I asked in a harsh tone. I needed to go. She’s just making this
harder. I opened my eyes to see her standing a few feet away. Close
enough for me to smell her beautiful, intoxicating scent.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Her face was
crumbled with grief. I wanted to reach out for her. To hold her. To
comfort her.

“Be quick. We’ll wait for you behind the trees. Don‘t even think about
trying to run away.” Christina’s thoughts were tender - well, as tender as
a monster could get. But why?

“We’ll go. Follow us when you’re finished.” she said out loud.

I nodded.

They ran to where they said they’ll stop.

I looked back at Bella who was staring at me. His eyes were sad.
Hopeless.

I looked at Jacob. He nodded and moved a few feet away from us to give
us some privacy.
“What?” I asked again. This time, my tone was not harsh.

“I … I …” she stuttered; not knowing what to say. She looked away.

I swallowed convulsively.

“What?” I barely whispered.

She looked back at me. Her eyes blazing into mine. That’s when I lost
every speck of self control. I couldn’t keep my muscles locked anymore. I
couldn’t bare the pain that was inside me.

I marched three long strides and caught her in my arms. I expected her to
push me away. To hit me.

She didn’t.

She threw her arms around me and took a deep breath, and then she broke
down. She started crying and I just held her. Oh God I missed her. I
missed everything about her. Her scent was driving me mad. I can’t let
her go. It’s like I’m a drug addict, and she’s my brand of heroine. I can’t
get enough of her. I just can’t.

“Bella …” I breathed. My heart ached with every second that passed.

Every second that passes means that I’m going to have to be away from
her.

“Edward. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please don’t leave.” she looked at me,
her eyes were pleading.

“I … can’t.” I choked out.

“Why? You chose to be who you are. Why would you want to change
that now? What about Carlisle and Esme and-”

“It’s not that simple.” I interrupted her. She didn’t know what I was
planning on doing.

“Edward please don-” I silenced her with my lips. I didn’t know what her
reaction is going to be. I just took a chance and kissed her.

She froze for a fraction of a second - out of shock. But then she melted in
my arms and kissed back, with a breathy moan.
It was as if I was literally dead and with that kiss she brought me back to
life. Everything was black. Colorless. Tasteless. Lifeless. And Bella just
gave me the kiss of life.

I couldn’t let her go. But I had to. So, to make the best out of my last
moments with her, I deepened the kiss. Trying to show her how much I
loved her. Trying to make her believe me. I can’t live without her. I can’t.
I love her.

She gasped. But she didn’t stop. She kissed me back, showing me how
much she loves me.

“I love you Edward. I’m sorry. I love you.” she thought the words.

She heard me. She loves me. I held her closer. How could I possibly let
her go?

“Let’s go Edward. Hillary is getting impatient.” Christina warned me. I

flinched at the thought of the witch’s name. Why was she helping me?

Although I hated myself for having the strength to do it, I gently pushed
her away.

“I have to go.” my voice was hoarse.

“No, no … plea-” she was starting to protest.

“Shhh.” I shushed her and touched her cheek delicately. I took an uneven
breath and leaned down and whispered in her ear “I love you.” I inhaled
her scent one last time. “Take care of yourself.”

And then I ran.

Leaving my heart, my soul, and my life behind.

BPOV:

He left. Again.

“Bella. Bella I need to tell you something.” Jacob pulled on my arm. He

spun me around. “He’s lying.”

I gaped at him. Huh?

“He’s lying to you. The vampires, the ones with the red eyes, threatened
him. He couldn’t tell you that he’s not changed. He’s still Edward. He’s
planning on something. He reads minds. That’s how I knew. I guessed
and he nodded. He told me - allowed me - to tell you this. He’s still
Edward, Bells.” I was crying by the time he finished.

I can’t believe this. He’s still Edward? My Edward? He still loves me?
Wait a minute …

They’ve threatened him?

“They what?” I hissed.

“They … umm … threatened … him.” he was worried of my reaction.

A growl was building up inside my chest.

“Get the Cullens, the Denali, everyone. We’re going to find him. I am
going to kill that BITCH!” Jacob took a step back, nodded brusquely, and
ran towards the house.

“Alice, I need you. NOW!” Jacob was half way their already. She could
see me perfectly.

I sat down under the tree, arms around my legs and head in between.

An hour passed.

Why wasn't anyone here yet?

I heard light footsteps. Oh, Alice. Finally. I got up off the ground and
turned around to face her.

“Where have you-” I froze. That wasn't Alice. And I knew who she was.
“Hello Isabella.” Hillary smiled wickedly.

Chapter 9

Sacrifice

JPOV:

“WHERE IS SHE??” Kayla was screaming at Carlisle.

“I don’t know Kayla. We’re trying to find her.” Carlisle was trying to
comfort her. Though he was the one who needed to be comforted. He was
about to break down. Everyone knew that.

“Kayla, it’s alright we’re trying to find her. She-” Michael tried to
comfort her as well, but she interrupted him with more screaming.

“HOW? BY SITTING AROUND? WAITING FOR SOME MIRACLE

TO HAPPEN? WE SHOULDD BE OUT THERE “LOOKING” FOR
THEM. BOTH OF THEM!” her voice was shaking. “Michael, please,
please …” she fell to the floor, crying, Michael sat beside her and
wrapped his arms around her tiny body. His face was torn, he missed
Bella, and he worried about Kayla.

Carlisle sat on the armchair and covered his face with his hands.

I was sitting in the far corner on the floor. Watching everything. Seeing,
hearing, and feeling everything. Yet no one noticed me. I was invisible. I
wanted to disappear. I didn’t want to live.

“Why is this happening?” Rosalie whispered to herself. Emmett looked at

her and then looked away. He didn’t know why. No one did.

“Where’s Alice?” Emmett asked.

“She’s with Jasper. Somewhere far away from here.” Esme’s face was
grave. Her voice was monotonous.

I got up off the floor and walked out the room. No one looked at me. I
was invisible.

I walked to the nearest bush - I didn’t have the strength to run. I phased
quickly. And started walking. I didn’t have a specific direction. I just
walked.

Everybody went silent inside my head.

I could hear and feel the pity.

“I’m sorry Jake.” Seth was the one who broke the silence.

“For what?” I asked.

“For … your loss?” he was unsure.

“Seth!” Leah hissed.

“What?” he hissed back.

“She’s not lost. Not yet. We’re looking for her.” she explained.

Not yet. Soon enough.

“Jacob.” Sam was much more composed than the others.

“Yes?” I replied.

“How are you holding up?” he asked worriedly.

“I’m fine.” I answered.

“Sure?” he didn’t believe me.

“Yeah sure. Why wouldn’t I be?” I asked.

“Jacob …” he trailed off.

“What do you want me to say Sam? You want me to say that I’m NOT
fine? That I’m being ripped apart by every second that passes without me
knowing where she is? … AGAIN! … That I’m going out of my mind with
rage? You want me to say that I would rather die than having her choose
him? What do you want me to say Sam??” I was losing it. He knew I was
losing it. So he didn’t reply.

No one answered.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT FROM ME?” I wasn't only asking
Sam.

“We don’t want anything. We just thought that it wasn't normal for
someone to be too … cool about this.” Jared was worried that I would
seriously lose it. That I would go mad. It was most likely that I would.

“Yeah man. This is a tragedy. And you’re trying to look tough when you
shouldn't. You just need to let it out.” even Paul thought that I was losing
it.
I couldn’t take this. I needed to be alone. I didn’t need a dozen people
inside my head. My own was enough.

I phased back to human form, and sluggishly wore my shorts. But I

couldn’t walk. I just sat on the wet floor. Waiting. For what? I didn’t
know. It was going to get dark in just a few hours. It’s been a long day.
It’s still is.

I heard some light footsteps. I got up off the floor and looked around.

“Who’s there?” I yelled. My eyes were sweeping the forest. Searching.

And then I saw her.

The most incredible, breathtaking creature I’ve ever seen.

She was a beauty. She was the beauty. Amazing.

“Who calls?” she didn’t spot where I was standing yet. She had a funny
accent.

“I do.” I didn’t recognize my voice. It was low, gruff, but loud enough for
her to hear.

She spun around and looked at me. Her face was stunning. Even when
she was standing still, she was still graceful.

Nothing mattered. All my problems went into smoke. I didn’t care about
anything. All that mattered was her. She was incredible. She was
everything.

She didn’t speak. She just gazed at me with her ruby eyes.

Wait … ruby? She’s a vampire. A real vampire.

This wasn't good.

But wait … they weren't real. They were fake. Lenses. She was wearing
red lenses. Why?

“Who are you?” she asked me with her pure, crystal clear voice.
“My name’s Jacob Black. I … I’m a werewolf, I mean a shape-shifter.” I
tried to be as clear as possible. I didn’t know why.

“A … shape-shifter?” she mused. “What are you exactly?” she moved

closer.

“Do you want me to show you?” I asked in confusion. Did she want me
to see me phase into a wolf? Sam is going to be pissed. But I didn’t care.

“Yes. If you don’t mind.” she asked in a soft voice that made my heart
melt. She smiled when she heard my heart’s unsteady fluttering. I gasped
at her beauty.

“Is something the matter?” She frowned.

“No.” The lump in my throat made my response unclear. So I cleared my

throat and swallowed to make it go away. But I failed miserably. “No.” I
tried again. It was a little bit more clearer. But still gruff.

She giggled lightly.

My heart was bouncing all over the place.

“Well? Won’t you show me then?” she smiled like an angel.

I couldn’t speak. So I just raised my finger signaling her to give me a

minute. She nodded respectfully. I backed away unwillingly. I didn’t
want to leave her. But it was only for a few seconds.

I went behind the bushes quickly. Took off my shorts and tied them
around my leg. I focused on the center of my being, and then I released
the wolf out of me.

“Jacob did you just imprint?” Sam asked me the moment my paws
touched the ground.

“I … I think I did.” I felt that he was about to say something so I

interrupted him. “Sam could you please give me a few minutes alone.
Please?” I didn’t know if that was too much to ask.

“Everyone, phase back to humans. Take your time Jacob.” I could feel
his happy mood.
“Thanks.” I was very grateful.

I felt everyone’s joy and support then I felt them all phase to humans.

I took a deep breath.

I moved forward slowly.

I didn’t dare to look up. I just kept my eyes down and waited.

“Look at me Jacob.” her voice caught my attention. It was very tender. It

just caressed my name.

I looked up to her. I was surprised to see her right in front of me, but
much more surprised when I saw her glowing. Literally sparkling. She
was in the shade before, and the sun peeked from behind the heavy clouds
for only a few blissful moments, but it was enough for me to see her
magnificent face in the sun. It was beyond amazing. I couldn’t put how
beautiful she was in words.

I didn’t hear her move though. Maybe I didn’t concentrate enough.

She was a foot away from me.

The sun hid behind the clouds again, making her sparkly skin return back
to normal.

She started to walk forward, she inched closer and closer. I was
motionless. I didn’t even breathe.

She lifted her hands up to touch my face. She stroked my cheek lightly. I
closed my eyes and unconsciously leaned into her touch. Her hands were
as cold as ice. But it felt like it left a trail of fire on my face.

“Fascinating.” Her tone surprised me. Again. I opened my eyes to look at

her eyes that were filled with wonder.

Our eyes locked.

At this precise moment I felt that I was a very tiny puppy dog who loved
his owner very much. It wasn't exactly the same, but ironic enough.
“You are an amazing creature Jacob Black. With a deep, pure soul. A
brave heart. And a clear, bright brain.” she gazed into my eyes. And I
couldn’t take mine off of hers.

I felt her cold breath on my skin, which effectively made me lightheaded.

I closed my eyes; relishing the sweetness of her scent. I was engulfed by
her scent. I took a deep breath and inhaled her scent which made me even
more lightheaded.

I opened my eyes slowly to find her eyes closed. She was very peaceful.
The most beautiful person I've ever seen.

Suddenly she opened her eyes, they were slightly unfocused. Her
expression changed. She frowned in confusion then started walking
backwards.

“I should … leave.” she blurted out then started to walk in the opposite
direction. Towards the Cullens.

I ducked under a bush quickly and phased back. I put on my shorts and
ran to catch up to her.

“Wait. Please wait.” I yelled after her.

She stopped. But she didn’t turn around, she didn’t say anything either.

“You’re going to the Cullens, right?” I asked her. She looked back at me
when I said the Cullens name.

“You know them?” she asked me.

“Yes. I … knew Bella. And Edward.” I tried to swallow back the lump in
my throat. It didn’t work.

“Oh.” she averted her eyes away from me.

I moved closer. “You knew them?”

“No. I knew Edward. But I didn’t know Bella. Was she taken away as
well?” her voice shook.

“Yes.” my voice was miserably sad.

“I’m sorry." A moment passed. "Were you two … close?” she asked me,
her tone had a hint of nervousness.

“She’s my best friend.” I wasn't hiding anything this time. She was my
best friend, period. Bella was simply my best friend. Nothing more.

That’s weird. Yesterday she was … more than just a friend.

“Oh. Okay.” her body seemed to relax. “How about Edward?”

I didn’t know him really. But I knew him enough.

“He’s a friend of mine, too.” I really did feel like he was a good person.
He is.

“Why did you want to leave so fast?” I asked her fearing that she didn’t
want to stay with me, because of what I am. I kept my eyes glued to the
ground. Trying my best to avoid her beautiful mesmerizing eyes.

Her scent was, astonishingly, bewildering. It wasn’t sickeningly sweet

like the other vampires. It was beyond amazing.

As she walked to me, her scent got stronger and stronger. Making me
dizzier by the second.

“There is this … feeling that I never felt before. I don’t know. I just knew
that I shouldn’t be here … with you. It’s not safe Jacob.” I didn’t know
which wasn’t safe. Being with me or being together.

I nodded. It wasn’t safe. Whichever the reason.

“I should leave.” It was me who said it this time.

“Why?” her voice was alarmed.

“It's not safe.” Didn’t she just tell me that?

“I didn’t mean you. I meant me. And my clan.”

“Your clan?” she wasn’t who I thought she was. “You are not from Egypt
are you?” she couldn’t be.

“Yes I am. How did you know?”

Crap.
“You're Emma.” I breathed.

“Yes. How do you know who I am?” she frowned.

I cleared my throat. “I uh … Carlisle told us about you, and your clan.”

She was the one who teleported, the girl who had some of Benjamin’s
gift. That’s why I couldn’t hear her move.

“Really? What has he told you about me?” she smiled a little.

“Umm … he said that you were extremely beautiful – you and Tia I
mean.” He wasn’t kidding or even exaggerating. “And he also told us
about your gift. Teleporting.”

She laughed. It was like a beautiful wind chime.

“I guess he gave you a heads up then.” She smiled kindly.

I smiled back. He did warn us. But I didn’t expect her to be that beautiful.

“I guess.” That was the best answer I could think of.

“Why are you wearing red contact lenses?” I asked.

“I don’t kill humans. I was a human before. I wouldn’t want to die on the
hands of a vampire.”

“So how do you feed?”

“I feed on animal’s blood.” Like the Cullens.

“How about the rest of your clan?”

“I wouldn’t be wearing red contact lenses if I wasn’t hiding my feeding

system now would I?” She smiled. “Amun believes that a true vampire
feed on humans. He wouldn’t want vampires who would feed on animal’s
blood around him. He thinks that vampire would be week.” She snorted.

“So you hunt animals behind their back?” Was she that good of a person?
Of a vampire?

“Yes.”

I was in awe. She lied to her clan just so she wouldn’t have to kill
humans. She was a human in a vampire’s body.
I was about to ask her how long did she keep this secret but then I heard a
howling in the distance.

“What was that?” Emma asked worriedly.

“Umm … that must be one of the boys. I gotta go.” I was about to leave
but she caught my hand.

Weird electricity rippled through my entire body the moment her skin
touched mine. Like I've been electrocuted. It was much more potent than
when she touched my face a while ago when I phased into a werewolf.

She jerked her hand back. She must have felt it too.

“Sorry. I just wanted to know if I will see again.” Her voice shook a little.

“Aren’t you going to the Cullens?”

“Yes.”

“Well, then I’ll see you there.” I smiled at the thought.

She grinned the most adorable goofy grin. I chuckled, and then ran to my
brothers.

I felt so light as I ran. And it sort of hurt me. With each step I took away
from her, I missed her more and more.

And then reality hit me.

I fell in love with her. With a vampire.

I imprinted … a vampire.

Is that even possible? This could change a lot of things.

It changed me. Entirely.

What am I going to tell Sam?

Oh God. I'm so dead.

Okay. I’ll phase and try my best to hide what just happened.

Who am I kidding? He’ll know everything.

I’ll just phase and bear whatever happens.

I hid behind a big trunk on the ground, tied my shorts around my legs,
prayed to God that Sam wouldn’t kill me, and phased into a werewolf.

“What's going on?” I asked.

“YOU IMPRINTED ON A VAMPIRE? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR

MIND?” that wasn’t Sam. That was Leah.

“Why do you care? Where’s Sam?” I was surprised. Nobody else was
here. Only Leah and I.

“I phased back and Sam told me what you did. You stupid, ignorant
moron.” She was fuming.

“You know that we can't control these things. I still didn’t tell her about
the whole imprinting thing. Where is everybody?” I asked again.

“They left us alone so we could talk. Apparently they couldn’t stand my

anger.” Her words were dripping with sarcasm.

“What is it Leah?” she was hiding something.

She was silent for a moment. “I came across a scent of hers. Bella. It
wasn’t hard to find or to identify, but it was mingled with some other
scents that I didn’t recognize.”

There was more. I could feel it. It wasn't good. She didn’t say anything.

“And?” I urged her.

“We think that there was a fight. A bad one. Trees knocked down, clothes
ripped apart and scattered around, and …” she trailed off.

“What?”

“Another message. From their leader. Hillary.” The moment she said her
name I felt sickening nausea. It wasn’t my nausea, it was Leah’s. What
the hell happened?

“She … uh … she said some things that were … that described Edward’s
ways of torture and Bella’s too. It was … horrible. Even for vampires.”
When I felt Leah sympathy I knew it was bad. She hates vampires.
Literally hates them. And now she feels sorry for them? This is really
bad.

“I’m on my way. Do you have the message with you?” I was running at
this point.

“Um … no. Sam has it. I’m at the sight though. If you wanna see Sam
he’s at the house with Emily.” I stopped running.

Message.

Sight.

Message.

Sight.

Message?

Or sight?

“Oh for God’s sake, just go to Sam’s place, get the letter, and then come
to the sight. Okay?”

“Yeah sure. Thanks Leah. I think.” That was odd. She was being nice and
patient.

“Whatever.” And we’re back to good old Leah.

She laughed.

I was close to Sam, just a few hundred yards.

“I’m gonna phase back okay? Stay where you are. I'll be right back.”

“Yes Chief Jacob.”

I was just a few yards away from the house. So I phased, put on my
shorts, and started running on foot.

“Sam?” I called out loud.

“He’s here.” I heard him talking to someone else from inside the house.
“Sam? Where’s the letter?” I asked in a normal tone. I was at the door.

I opened the door and walked in. Emily was there by the counter and Sam
was standing next to her. Someone was setting on the couch with her
back to me.

“Are you busy?” I asked.

“No. not at all. This is Bree Tanner. She’s a … friend.” Sam didn’t look
very pleased with the word “friend”.

The girl named Bree stood up and turned around.

She was so young. She was even younger than Bella. Like about 5 years
younger.

“Hello.” She smiled at me. She was a very sweet girl.

“Hi.” I helloed back, out of politeness.

Weird.

“Bree this is Jacob. My right hand.” He said it with complete confidence.

I was touched. “Jake. This is going to be hard for you to understand …”
he seemed uncertain. He looked back and forth from me to Bree.

“What is it?” I asked.

He hesitated again.

“Sam what is it?” I was getting a bit too worried now.

“I ran away from Hillary.” Bree broke the awkward silence.

I wish she didn’t.

“What?” I breathed. Couldn’t quite bring my voice to be louder.

“She held me captive. Just like Bella and Edward.” She explained to me.
“But I escaped.” She visibly shuddered.

“You’re a vampire?” she couldn’t be. I could hear her heart beat that was
beating a bit too fast than normal. Like she was running or excited or
even afraid.
“Not really. I’m a … rarity. I’m half human, half vampire. Meaning that I
had a biological father who was a vampire and a biological mother who
was still a human. My mother gave birth to me when she was still human.
My father changed my mother after my birth. It was difficult for my
father, but his love to my mother made him try his best. And it worked.
You could say that we lived happily ever after, until I was … kidnapped.
I age pretty quickly, and I have an age limit which is in one year. I would
be eighteen though I'm fifteen now.” I sucked at math, but I was pretty
sure that she miscalculated … something. “I was kidnapped when I was
presumably two years old, which was about three years ago. I stayed two
years in the hands of Hillary’s. I was different. I was unique. To her
anyways.” She stopped talking for a minute, shuddered again, and then
continued. “Anyways. I know what goes on in there. I could help you
bring Bella and Edward back. So, if you don’t mind, I would like to help
you. I know what they are going through. And so I know that I won't be
able to live with myself knowing that someone like Bella or Edward is
being tortured and I’m the only one who could help them.”

I believed her.

I really believed her. She was completely honest, and very … hopeful.
She was pure, for a vampire.

“What should we do?” I asked her.

She smiled widely. “I’ll do my best to bring them back.” She said
sincerely. “Thank you. For allowing me to help you. Help them.”

“Yeah, now please tell me everything you know about ... Hillary.” I
forced her name out.

“Well, she’s pure evil. Her thoughts are much worse than her actions. She
could actually torture people by merely saying what she thinks. It makes
me want to gag.” She shuddered for the hundredth time.

We had to act fast. If what she says is true, then Edward must be in hell
by now. He would think he was cursed for having a gift of mind reading.
I bet Hillary’s mind was the last thing he wanted to read.

“Alright. So she’s evil. Nothing new. What else?” Sam asked.

“She is fond of vampires with special gifts. Like Edward and Bella.” She
added.

“Bella doesn’t have a gift.” Not as far as I know.

“She must have one. Otherwise she would be useless to Hillary.” She
said.

“She’s using her.” Emily interjected.

“Using her?” I mused.

“Well, actually she’s using Edward’s only weakness. He couldn’t live

without her. He wouldn’t. He would do anything for her. To save her.”
She explained. I was surprised at this new prospective. She was
absolutely right. Why else would she kidnap Bella? She didn’t have any
special gifts. She was not trained to fight. The only thing that would make
her important, according to Hillary, was because she was important to
Edward. I think Edward tried to escape, or refused Hillary’s orders, so
Hillary thought that the only way to make him obey her was by
blackmailing him. Only this time, if he doesn’t comply, he’s going to lose
everything he ever cared about. He would lose his life. He would lose his
Bella.

“I think we should go. Now!” The sooner we move the better.

“Let’s go.” Bree agreed.

Chapter 10

Mistake

(Bree) POV:

All I have to do now is show them where Hillary is. Then I’ll be free. I
must convince Jacob that it’s best if we bring the entire Cullens family.

“Jacob? Could I talk to you alone for a moment?” I asked as politely as

possible.

“Umm … sure?” He looked at Sam for confirmation.

“I’m going to check on Leah. And Emily will go to the Clearwater’s

place.” Sam excused himself and went out the door with Emily.

“What is it?” he asked concernedly.

“I think the Cullens should come with us.”

“Why?” he frowned.

“Because it would be much better for them to do some action rather than
waiting for some comforting news.” I came up with a good enough
excuse.

“I don’t know …” he seemed undecided.

“It would mean a lot to them. Maybe if the family was involved, then
finding Bella and Edward could quite easier. And much faster.” I
persuaded. “Please?” I begged. I was too desperate.

“Alright. I will tell them. Or maybe Sam should do it.” I sighed in relief
once he agreed.

“Great. We should get a move on.”

“Don’t you think it’s a bit dark outside? Not that it’s going to affect
anything, but I think we should call it a night.”

“NO.” I shouted. Panic seeping through me.

He stared at me, shocked by my reaction. I tried to come up with some

sort of explanation quickly.

“Umm … I mean we should go now. The sooner we act the better, right?”
I tried to fake an angel face.

He frowned and narrowed his eyes. Oh God! He was suspicious. He can’t

be suspicious. Hillary would kill me.

“I’m just … I know what they are going through. I don’t want them to
suffer anymore than I did. Please?” I sniffed dramatically.

His expression changed from suspicion to pity. Good. Pity is good.

“Okay. I’ll call the Cullens now. Wait for me outside please.” He smiled
a little.

“Yeah, sure.” I sighed in relief and walked out.

This has to work. This must work. I have to get the Cullens to the sight so
they would kill them. I have to, or I would die. I mean they deserve to
die; they want to kill all vampires just so they could get as much as they
want. This poor werewolf fell for their pretences. They want to take over
world so they would have as much blood as they want. They’ve been
planning on doing this since ever. In order for the plan to be perfect, they
faked to be one of the good guys, and made us look like the bad guys.
They spread a rumor saying that vampires with golden eyes are the ones
who feed on the blood of animals. I tried it once, but nothing happened.
They couldn’t have possibly fed on the blood of animals. Because it’s
neither enough – it doesn’t silence the fire that rages in our throats – nor
does it taste good. The truth is they’re so old that their eyes changed its
color to gold. At least that’s what Victoria told us.

Victoria told us a lot of things. Like how they could fool people into
believing that they’re good. She told us that they have gifts other
vampires don’t have. Like mind reading and predicting the future. And
one of them has a gift of manipulating people’s emotions. They’re too
powerful. That’s why Hillary wants to end them, to destroy their wild
dreams, to put an end to their existence that threatens our own lives. I
knew Hillary wasn’t a good person, but I’d rather stand for her than
against her.

I stood at their front porch and waited. I could hear him talking to one of
them on the phone inside the house.

“I know Carlisle. I think you should all come. The more, the better.” He
used the same words I used. “But I also think that-” he was cut off by
Carlisle.

A few moments passed.

“Is that so?” I heard a low fast murmur on the other line. I couldn’t
understand what he was saying.

“Oh. That’s uh … that’s very interesting.” I peeked through the window

and found him looking at me. He smiled tentatively at me and then
resumed his mysterious conversation.

A few more moments went by.

“Okay, I’ll make sure we are all there. Okay, bye.” He hung up.

He started walking to the door but then he stopped and walked back to a
room inside. I waited for him to come back. It took him a few moments
then he got out of the house with a pair of shorts in his hands.

“Okay. I’ll phase and you go ahead. I’ll catch up.” He didn’t give me a
chance to reply. He ran towards the forest.

I did as he said and started running to the sight. It was very close to the
house, and even closer to Hillary’s hide out. I told her that she should
kidnap them a little bit far away from her house. But she said that it
would be easier if it was close.

I got to the sight but there was no sign of Jacob or the other werewolves.
There was no sight of the Cullens either. Where were they?

I heard someone approaching. There were too many footsteps to count

how many were coming.

I heard a shimmering sound. Someone must have phased.

“You really thought that we would believe you, didn’t you?” That was
Jacob. He walked out of the thick bushes with a grimace on his face.
What was going on?

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He laughed out loud. “You look so innocent, so vulnerable. I could have

believed you if you didn’t make your biggest mistake that blew your
cover.”

“I don’t understand.” I started to panic. He walked slowly to me and I

retreated backwards.

“How did you know that this is where Edward was taken?” He nearly
growled. I took a step back.

Oh shit! I’m such an idiot. I had to think of something. Anything.

“Well?” He said quietly, which made me panic even more.

“I uh … followed the scent.” I blurted out. It was the best I could think
of.

“He has been taken for nearly a week. It rained more than twice in this
area. And the pack circled this place more than a dozen times already. His
scent is long gone.” He stated the facts. It was too obvious that I was
lying. I had to come up with something better.

“Alright. I came here once before. Two days after he was kidnapped or
so. I came here because I came across Hillary’s scent. I followed it. And
it led me here. I kept on tracking her until her scent was gone. Like she
disappeared off the face of the earth. Her scent just stopped a mile away
from here. I tried to find her because I wanted to kill her. I wanted to
destroy what she was. I wanted revenge.” I raised my voice to make it
look as realistic as possible.

“She’s lying.” A girl’s voice came from behind me. I spun around to see
who was there.

I didn’t recognize her. She was so little. She had bouncy red curls. Was
she a Cullen?

“Who are you?” Jacob didn’t know her either. That’s good. This means
he could still believe me.

“I’m Maggie. From the Irish clan. This is Siobhan and Liam.” Two more
emerged from the bushes. They looked … intense. Unlike Maggie, she
was petite. “I have a gift of knowing when people lie. She is lying.” She
looked at me with complete disgust.

“Is that so?” Jacob’s voice didn’t sound surprised.

“Absolutely.” She pressed.

“Do you have anything to say about that Bree?” He asked me. I was
terrified to even nod or shake my head. They know I’m lying. What am I
supposed to do now? Shouldn’t someone from Hillary’s clan come and
save me? Aren’t I important at all? Was this all a lie then? Did she trick
me into doing this so they could finish me off instead of doing it herself?
Was this all a prank? A trick? I should have known that from the start. I
was insignificant. I was gift-less and too young. I was useless.

“Panic, more panic, confusion, terror, guilt, hurt and surrendering.” A

male’s voice behind the bushes stated a list of feelings. My feelings.
“That’s a major shift of emotions you got there Bree.” He came out from
behind the bushes. He was tall, muscular, and had blond hair. This must
be Jasper Cullen. The one with the gift of manipulating people’s
emotions. Victoria told us about him.

“You’re Jasper.” I choked out and backed away from him.

He stopped walking, and stared at me in confusion. “You’re scared. Are

you afraid of me?” He frowned.
“You manipulate people’s feelings. Stay away from me.” I kept on
walking backwards.

“He’s harmless.” I screamed and jumped away from the voice that came
from behind me. I turned around to see who was walked to me without
making a sound.

I died and went to heaven somehow. I don’t know how or why, but it was
both quick and painless. I was standing in front of an angel.

It was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She was stunningly
beautiful. I stared at her, both in terror and awe.

“She’s stunned.” Jasper snickered.

Jasper? Did he die too? Or did I go to hell? But such beauty couldn’t
possibly be in hell.

I looked around to see if I was still alive on earth. I was. The werewolves
were hovering around the edges behind the trees, and Jacob was in his
human form a few feet away from me. Jasper was still standing behind
me. Maggie was beside him, and the beautiful girl was still standing in
front of me.

Since no one was going to help me, I should tell them the truth. I looked
fixedly at the angel in front of me, took a deep breath, and began.

“I’m sorry. But Hillary told us that the Cullens wanted to take over the
world so they would have all the blood there is.” I looked at Jasper. “But
then she told us that your eyes were golden brown because you are too
old, like hundreds and hundreds of centuries old. And she ordered me to
lure the Cullens here so she could end them. And then we wouldn’t have
to fear you attacking us anymore. She said we would have all the blood
we want. She also said that the Cullens were the bad guys; that they killed
humans viscously and then the Cullens spread a rumor that says they
have golden brown eyes because they feed on the blood of animals. I
don’t know if she was saying the truth. I just thought that she finally
thought I was useful and she sent me here to fulfill a very hard mission
that no one could ever do except for me. I’m sorry.” I said my lecture in a
rush. I wanted them to believe me. I was telling the truth. This Maggie
could confirm it if they asked her.
But they were all silent. They were shocked. No one moved. They just
stared at me like I was speaking a foreign language.

“She speaks the truth.” Maggie whispered, breaking the eerie silence.

I sighed in relief.

“Well, this whole missed up story is a lie.” One more came from behind
the darkness. He was huge, muscular, and tall. He was so big. This must
be Emmett.

“I’m afraid you misunderstood dear.” A woman’s voice came from

behind Emmett. She was beautiful and she had caramel hair. This was
Esme. “We do feed only on animal’s blood only because we don’t want
to harm the humans. Carlisle, my husband, found that animal’s blood
compensates human’s blood. It’s not as good as drinking human’s blood
but it’s sufficient once you get used to it. It takes time.”

“But I tried it once before and it didn’t change my eye color.” I

interjected.

“It takes more than a month to have your eyes change color.” A man
came out from the bushes and stood beside Esme. He was blond and very
handsome. He held Esme’s hand. Carlisle, that’s Carlisle. The leader of
the Cullen clan.

“A month? It tastes horrible, and it doesn’t stop the fire.” I argued.

“As I said, it takes time to get used to.” Esme said kindly.

“So, you don’t want to take over the world and have the blood all for
yourselves?” I asked; just to make sure.

Carlisle laughed. “No. we are certainly not planning on doing that.”

“Oh.” I glued my eyes to the floor. These were good people. They were
good vampires. I was the bad vampire. I wouldn’t blame them if they
wanted to kill me now.

“Why are you so … ashamed?” Jasper asked in confusion.

Why? He asked me why was I ashamed? “Because you’re good people,

and all I wanted to do was destroy you.” That’s why!
“You didn’t know.” Another girl appeared from the darkness. She was
very beautiful. Not as beautiful as the dark haired angel, but much more
beautiful than Esme and Maggie. She had a long wavy golden hair, with a
body that would make super models cry. This had to be Rosalie. “You
were misguided.”

“But I should have known. I am absolutely useless. The only thing that is
special about me is that I’m a half breed vampire.”

I expected them to gasp or to look at me in confusion or even to ask me

what I meant. But they were all silent. It’s like they already knew. I mean
sure they could hear my heartbeats and all, but that doesn’t mean that
they should act cool about it. Unless they knew someone who was like
me. Or maybe they knew what I am. They must have known. Alice, the
future teller, must have told them.

“Did she tell you about me?” I asked.

“Who?” Carlisle asked in confusion.

“Me.” A short, pixie, black haired girl bounced her way to Jasper. Alice.
Wow, she was so small. “Yes, I told them.” She confessed.

I knew it.

“You are going to help us find Edward and Bella.” She declared.

“I … am?” I asked in confusion. I thought they wanted to kill me. Plus I

thought she had a blind spot when the werewolves were around.

“Yes, you are. You are going to help us find them and then you will
become a Cullen. My little sister.” She said grinning.

I will be what? Was she insane? She must be out of her mind.

“Don’t look at me like that. Edward will ask you to stay. You’ll see.” She
was so certain of the future. Was I really going to be a Cullen? Or was
this another trick to help them find her.

“Don’t be suspicious. We are nothing like Hillary. We keep our promises,

and we don’t tell lies.” Jasper assured me.
I nodded. I believed them. And I was sure it wasn’t him manipulating me
into believing him. I knew this clan was a good clan. I just knew it. And
I’m gonna help them find Edward and Bella. If it was the last thing I
would do in my short second life.

(Emma) POV:

I was mesmerized by that amazing creature. He was so human, yet he

wasn’t. Jacob Black. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I feel so …
different. I never felt this great before. He was simply perfect. I don’t
know him. But when I stared into his eyes, it was like I was staring right
into his soul. It was deep, pure, and good. He was good.

“Emma?” I heard Tia call.

“Yes, Tia.” Even my voice sounded different.

She looked at me in confusion. “Where have you been?”

“I met someone.” I told her.

She smiled a little. “Who did you meet?” She must have thought I was
talking about a vampire.

“His name is Jacob Black. He’s a werewolf.” Her smile vanished, and her
face was shocked.

“A werewolf?” She asked ghastly.

“Yes. A shape-shifter actually. He phases into a wolf.” I explained.

“Oh. So he’s not one of the Children of the moon then?” She seemed to
relax a bit.

“No. He phased in broad day light.” I told her.

She gasped. “He attacked you?”

“No. No, he didn’t. I asked him to show me what he was.” I remembered

the way he looked as a wolf. He looked very strong, and very protective.
Like a leader. Like he was born a leader.

“Why?”
“I was curious.” I answered simply.

She smiled. “Do you know what imprinting is, Emma?” She asked me.

“No, I’m not familiar with this word.”

“Imprinting is when a shape-shifter mainly falls in love with someone.

But it’s not exactly falling in love. It’s mainly being dedicated to
someone entirely. Shape-shifters could imprint on a 1 year-old. They
could imprint on a 50 year-old. A 100 year-old. It wouldn’t matter.
Everything won’t matter to them once they find their true mates.” She
smiled at me again, I didn’t understand. What was she pointing at?

“So?” I asked.

“I think he imprinted on you.” Oh. Did he? Is that possible?

“I don’t know Tia. I don’t think it’s possible. I thought we had a long
unfinished feud between vampires and werewolves.”

“He’s not a werewolf, remember?” she smiled wider.

She was right. He wasn’t a werewolf. He was a shape-shifter. A

completely different creature. And he imprinted on me. And it appears
that I fell in love with him. But I didn’t know him. I met him a few
minutes ago, and we only spoke for only 5 minutes.

“It’s impossible.” I whispered.

“Yes it is. I now it’s unbelievable. I now it’s fast. But it did happen.” She
was grinning from ear to ear.

Just then my phone buzzed. I got it out of my pocket and looked at the
caller ID. It was Carlisle.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Emma, where are you?” Carlisle asked hastily.

“I’m near your house. Is something wrong?”

“No. I just need you to stay right where you are. I’m coming to you.” He
didn’t give me a chance to respond and hung up.

“That was odd.” I murmured.

“What was?” Tia asked.

“Carlisle is on his way here. I don’t know why. He just told me to stay
where I am and wait for him. Something is not right.”

“I’ll call Benjamin.” Tia announced.

“Okay.” What was going on? Why was Carlisle so … edgy? I’ve never
heard him speak like that before. Something is definitely wrong.

I heard fast steps in the distance. It must be Carlisle. Tia just got off the
phone with Benjamin; he was on his way here.

“Emma?” I heard Carlisle call.

“Over here.”

There was more than just a set of footsteps. Perhaps … four maybe five
more persons where running alongside Carlisle.

I spotted Carlisle, then Esme, then Alice and Jasper, followed by Rosalie
and Emmett. They were all here.

“What’s wrong?” I asked directly.

“Hillary has sent a girl, Bree, to the shape-shifters. It’s a trick to make us
go to the place where Edward was kidnapped, and then kill us there.”
Alice explained. She must have seen a vision. But weren’t the shape-
shifters a blind spot in Alice’s visions?

I was about to ask but she didn’t wait and answered. “Yes, I thought they
were. But they’re not. My gift wasn’t used to these creatures. Now I
could see too many possibilities of what could happen – because they’re
not stable. The clearest vision is what I just said.” She explained to me.

Jacob!

“So Jacob is in danger.” Every thought I had revolved around Jacob right
now.

“Yes. And we have to move. Fast!” I didn’t need to be asked twice.

“Where is that place?” I asked quickly.

She pointed east from where we’re standing. I ran the minute the
destination was set. I ran as fast as I can. I heard them following behind
me. I heard Alice explaining how I knew Jacob to the rest of her family.
Tia filled in the details. I heard what exactly was going to happen. Jacob
would call Carlisle. Carlisle was going to explain to him what was going
to happen. Jacob was going to tell Bree to run to the place where Edward
was taken then he’ll follow her. That way we’ll make sure that she was
sent by Hillary. She’ll make up some convincing story but one of the Irish
clan will step up and announce that she was lying; because she has some
gift of knowing when she was lied to.

Alice assured everyone that everything will be okay.

I just wanted to reach Jacob. I wanted to make sure he was safe.

Carlisle’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

He stopped and answered it.

“Jacob?”

“Yeah, it’s me.” I heard him on the other line. I sighed in relief. “Look
there’s some girl here called Bree. She says she knows how to find Bella
and Edward.”

“Alice had a vision. I think we should all-”

Jacob interrupted him. “I know Carlisle. I think you should all come. The
more, the better, but I also think that-”

Carlisle interrupted him this time. “Alice had a vision that Bree was sent
by Hillary to lure us to where Edward was kidnapped and kill us. She
won’t help us.”

“Is that so?” He didn’t sound surprised.

“Yes and Alice has a plan.”

“Oh. That’s uh … that’s very interesting.” She must be watching him.

“Tell her to go on without you and stay behind. Call all your pack and
follow her. She knows where to go, that’s what will blow her cover. You
all have to be there. We will go too. With both the Irish clan and the
Egyptian clan.” He explained to Jacob.

“Okay, I’ll make sure we are all there.”

“Be Careful.”

“Okay, bye.”

Carlisle hung up the phone, but then dialed a different number.

“Who are you calling?” Esme asked him.

“Maggie.” He replied. Then he explained the same story to the Irish clan.
Apparently they were going to be there before us. They were closer than
we were.

As soon as he hung up, he started running again. I followed, and soon

enough I was in the lead.

I ran as fast as I can. I wanted to see him again. I wanted to see if he was
fine. I wanted to make sure he was okay.

We ran for about two more minutes. We were so far away from that
place. They must be there already; maybe the Irish clan’s with him.
Maybe he is safe. He has to be okay.

“He’ll be fine.” Alice was right behind me.

“I really hope so.” I whispered and then ran even faster. I could have
simply teleported, but I didn’t want to leave Ben and Tia behind.

“Don’t even think about teleporting us!” Alice warned me. I was thinking
about that.

“Why not? We’ll get there faster!” I argued.

“It would scare the Irish clan and the wolves, and then we would ruin the
plan. We are so close, just be patient.” She urged.

I fell silent and kept on running. I was running fast, but not fast enough.

“She’s not a vampire.” Alice announced.

“What?” We all asked at the same time.

“She is half vampire, half human. Her biological father is a vampire, her
biological mother is human. It’s a rarity, but it happens.” We were all
silent trying to comprehend this new information.

“You’ll hear her heart beats. It’s much faster than a human’s heart beat.
And she won’t smell … like humans. More like a mix between a
vampire’s scent and a human’s scent. She has the same characteristics of
a vampire and she also has some of the human’s characteristics as well.”
She continued. “So please, do not attack her. Especially you Tia. I know
you didn’t feed for quite some time, just don’t breathe and everything is
going to be fine.”

“Okay.” She said quietly. Ashamed that everyone – especially the Cullens
- knows that she might attack because of her thirst.

“It’s okay Tia. We understand.” Jasper comforted her.

“Yeah …” She murmured.

I came across a scent. It was unfamiliar. But I knew it was the wolves. It
was such a stench. Unlike Jacob, his scent was somehow the scent of
wood. The scent of the forest. It smelt really good.

“We’re near.” Carlisle must have smelly it too.

“Fall back behind me.” Jasper ordered.

I was unwilling, but did what he said. We stopped behind some big
bushes as he walked right through them.

“Panic, more panic, confusion, terror, guilt, hurt and surrendering.” He

listed a series of emotions; it must be Bree’s. “That’s a major shift of
emotions you got there Bree.”

“You’re Jasper.” She said breathlessly.

She was scared? One of Hillary’s associates was afraid? That was
unexpected. Didn’t they have some sort of plan?

“You’re scared. Are you afraid of me?” He asked her in confusion.

“You manipulate people’s feelings. Stay away from me.” She retreated
slowly, she wanted to run away. I looked at Alice and she nodded.
I closed my eyes and pictured myself behind her. And when I opened my
eyes I was a few feet behind her, she was still retreating. Everyone was
staring. Jacob was staring. He was safe.

“He’s harmless.” I said quietly.

She shrieked and jumped away from me, then twirled around to look at
me. She suddenly froze, her eyes popped out, and her mouth hung open.

I heard Jasper chuckle. “She’s stunned.”

She looked around, dazed I presumed. Then looked back at me.

She looked so … guilty. But then she seemed determined. She took a
deep breath.

“I’m sorry. But Hillary told us that the Cullens wanted to take over the
world so they would have all the blood there is.” She turned around to
speak to Jasper. “But then she told us that your eyes were golden brown
because you are too old, like hundreds and hundreds of centuries old. And
she ordered me to lure the Cullens here so she could end them. And then
we wouldn’t have to fear you attacking us anymore. She said we would
have all the blood we want. She also said that the Cullens were the bad
guys; that they killed humans viscously and then the Cullens spread a
rumor that says they have golden brown eyes because they feed on the
blood of animals. I don’t know if she was saying the truth. I just thought
that she finally thought I was useful and she sent me here to fulfill a very
hard mission that no one could ever do except for me. I’m sorry.” She
finalized her speech.

I stared at her in shock. She just confessed everything. And everything

sounded upside down. It didn’t fit.

“She speaks the truth.” Maggie announced breathlessly.

She got it all wrong. She was lied to.

“Well, this whole missed up story is a lie.” Emmett came from behind
me, Esme behind, and walked until he was near Jasper.

“I’m afraid you misunderstood dear.” Esme spoke in her soft, motherly,
tender voice.
“We do feed only on animal’s blood only because we don’t want to harm
the humans. Carlisle, my husband, found that animal’s blood
compensates human’s blood. It’s not as good as drinking human’s blood
but it’s sufficient once you get used to it. It takes time.” It did take time.
It took me a few weeks until I noticed my eyes changing color, that’s
when I got the lenses.

Oh how I wish my clan would understand why I would do this.

“But I tried it once before and it didn’t change my eye color.” Once?
That’s not enough. Not enough at all.

“It takes more than a month to have your eyes change color.” Carlisle
said as he emerged from the trees to stand by his wife Esme. He silently
held her hand. It was a very romantic sight, under the circumstances.

“A month?” She asked in shock.

“As I said, it takes time to get used to.” Esme repeated.

“So, you don’t want to take over the world and have the blood all for
yourselves?” Bree asked. She seemed to feel a bit of a fool when she
asked that question now.

Carlisle laughed out loud. “No. we are certainly not planning on doing
that.”

“Oh.” Was all she said.

“Why are you so … ashamed?” Jasper asked her. Why would she feel
shame?

“Because you’re good people, and all I wanted to do was destroy you.” I
felt bad for her. She was a good person too. Otherwise, she would be
trying to run by now, other than telling us the truth and feeling sorry.

“You didn’t know.” Rosalie said as she walked out from the shadows.
“You were misguided.”

“But I should have known. I am absolutely useless. The only thing that is
special about me is that I’m a half breed vampire.” Wasn’t that special
enough?
“Did she tell you about me?” She asked us.

“Who?” Carlisle beat me to the question.

“Me.” Alice came out from behind the bushes and skipped her way to
Jasper’s side. “Yes, I told them.” She said with ease. “You are going to
help us find Edward and Bella.”

“I … am?” She was confused.

I wasn’t surprised. Alice must have had a vision.

“Yes, you are. You are going to help us find them and then you will
become a Cullen. My little sister.” She said with no doubt what so ever in
her voice.

Now I was confused. She was going to join the Cullen’s clan?

“Don’t look at me like that. Edward will ask you to stay. You’ll see.” She
was grinning wide. I knew this grin. She was completely sure of the
future.

“Don’t be suspicious. We are nothing like Hillary. We keep our promises,

and we don’t tell lies.” Jasper assured Bree. She must have suspected us.
Poor girl. She doesn’t know what’s true and what’s not anymore.

She nodded. She looked deep in thought. She’s so young, yet she’s been
through a lot.

I heard some rustling noise coming from the place where the shape-
shifters stayed. A small wolf came out. He looked a lot smaller than
Jacob in his wolf form. Maybe he’s younger. He walked until he stood
next to Jacob.

He stared at Bree for a long moment. Bree was not aware of him, she was
so caught up in her thoughts I imagined.

“What is it Seth?” Jacob asked the young wolf, Seth.

Bree looked up to Seth. Their eyes locked.

Just like when I locked eyes with Jacob, everything didn’t matter,
everything made sense. Everything was beautiful.
Young Seth imprinted on young Bree.

I smiled adoringly at them. Then I looked at Jacob, who was looking at

me. His expression was a mix of joy and satisfaction.

I smiled back at him, I was so happy for them. But then his expression
changed, it became worried. I frowned in confusion. His expression
changed again, it became sullen now, and then he looked away from me. I
started to get a little concerned. I looked at Alice for some information.

“He’s worried you won’t accept him.” She mouthed.

I looked back at him.

“Come on guys, let’s go. Bree come with us. If anyone would like to join
us, they’re welcome.” Alice told everyone, including the wolves - Seth to
be exact.

Seth looked at Sam for confirmation.

Sam nodded. And I think he was smiling. A wolf smile.

Seth hurried his way to Bree’s side, and walked beside her.

The wolves left. The Irish clan went with the Cullens, and so did Tia and
Ben. Leaving me and Jacob alone.

“Jacob?”

He didn’t move. His expression never changed either.

“Jacob?” I called him a bit louder.

He closed his eyes, but he didn’t move an inch.

“I have something I have to tell. I’m not sure you’re gonna like it.” He
said hesitantly.

“I know.” I told him, is that what he was worried about? About the fact
that he imprinted?

“I think I ... I’m sorry what?” He finally looked at me.

“I know about imprinting.” I told him quietly.

He stared at me. Taken aback.

He took a deep breath, and tried to compose himself. “You know?” he
asked in husky voice.

“Yes, I know.” I smiled to show him that I was okay with it. I was more
than okay.

“Why are you smiling?” He sounded panicky.

I giggled at his expression. “I’m smiling because I’m fine with it.” I
smiled at the sound of being okay with being loved.

“You’re okay with me imprinting on you?” My heart felt like it was this
close to flutter to life again.

“Yes.” I answered simply.

“Oh.” He didn’t know what to say. But neither did I.

Moments passed. Still neither of us decided to break the silence.

Minutes that seemed to stretch on and on like hours. It was entirely dark
at this point. I could see as fine as I could see in broad daylight, but it felt
safer, calmer. I always loved the night. It made me feel protected and
peaceful.

“Jake?” I decided it was time I broke the silence.

He looked up to me. Waiting.

I didn’t speak for a moment. But then decided that maybe I should give
him some time to think. Maybe I should just leave him be for a few hours
to think this through. Although I didn’t want to leave him for one second,
I knew that he could use some time on his own. “I should go, it’s late.
Ben and Tia would start to worry.” I started walking away, but he caught
my arm tightly and whirled me around. I lost my balance – which was
nearly impossible for a vampire to do – and slammed into his chest. I felt
his warmth, no, his heat underneath my skin. My hand was on his chest, I
felt the drumming of his heart. It was amazing, powerful. He looked like
he wanted to say something, but instead he closed his eyes, took a deep
breath, and then exhaled. His heavy breath warmed my face, it was such
an amazing feeling. And his scent was mind boggling. I was lost in him.
His warmth, his scent, his presence, and his heart. He was everywhere.
He slowly opened his beautiful brown eyes and looked at me. We stared
into each other’s eyes for a long while. I lost track of time. I lost track of
everything. It was like I could see his soul, and he could see mine. I never
wanted this moment to end. I want this to last forever.

“Emma.” He breathed my name. Again, his scent made me dizzy.

“Yes.” I couldn’t bring my voice to speak louder than a whisper.

“Don’t leave.” His eyes blazed into mine. “Please.” He begged.

I was beyond dazzled. It was all just overwhelming. What did this mean?
Am I seriously in love? Did I fall in love with Jacob? Did he fall in love
with me? Am I finally gonna live my happily ever after? Did I find my
soul mate? Is this it? Is this my beginning?

“I … won’t” I forced the air out of my lungs so I could speak.

And it was true. I was never going to leave him. I’ll always be by his
side. Forever and always.

He started to lean in slowly. This is it! This was my beginning. This was
my happily ever after.

We were only inches apart. I closed my eyes and inhaled his scent one
more time. It was like I was inhaling heroin. I was intoxicated. I was
addicted.

I could feel the heat on my face, I could taste his scent on my tongue. I
leaned in slowly too, closing the distance between us until our lips met.

The sensation was beyond words. His lips were hot, smoldering,
scorching against mine. It was so soft, smooth, and yielding. I knotted my
fingers in his hair as he wrapped his hands around my waist.

His heart was pounding hard and fast against my chest. It almost felt like
my own heart. Like we both had one heart. Like we were one person.

Before long I was gasping for air that I didn’t need. I heard something
building up in Jacob’s chest. It was deep and low, it vibrated through his
entire body; I felt its buzz through my body.
His lips were hard against mine, it was like he’s been waiting too long for
this to happen. I knew I was.

Too soon for my liking, he slowed down, until he stopped. He pulled

away but still held me close to him.

I opened my eyes to find him gazing at me with wonder and elation. He

was gasping for air, but so was I. It’s unbelievable, falling in love with
someone I only knew today. This was the most incredible day of my long
life.

He gently caressed my face with his hands and leaned down for another
kiss. This one was different. So entirely different. His warm lips were
gentle, unexpectedly hesitant. It was brief, but very, very sweet. I was
simply in heaven.

“I love you.” He whispered against my lips in a tender voice.

I looked up to him. His eyes were kind, and filled with emotions.

“I love you too.” I knew it was love, this warm, fuzzy feeling inside of
me. I was in love.

He smiled so adoringly that it made my heart melt.

This was heaven as I know it.

EPOV:

I want my life to end.

I can’t stand. I can’t fight. I can’t break the chains. I can’t even think. I
was tired beyond imagination. Vampires don’t get tired. Vampires can’t
get tired. They’re supposed to be strong, not weak. But then again, I
didn’t hunt for almost two weeks now. My eyes were turning black. My
thirst was killing me. Being alone in a windowless room for two weeks
was quite enough to drive me mad. I couldn’t take this anymore. Why
couldn’t I just die already?
“HEY!” I shouted – tiredly - again. I’ve been shouting ever since I got
here, ever since she locked me up in here.

I didn’t even hear a single thought. Meaning no one was guiding me. No
one was making sure that I wouldn’t escape.

I tried to break out of these chains again, but all in vain. They were too
strong, and too thick. They were custom designed for me.

I fell to my knees in defeat. I was going to suffer for the rest of my life
here. So much for trying to be the super hero who wanted to save his
love.

Bella.

Oh Bella.

My heart was twisting and churning at the thought of her, I missed her so
much.

Where was she? Was she okay? Was she hurt? Did they get to her? Did
she move on? Did she find someone else? Was she happy? Was she
miserable? Was she waiting for my return? Did she give up on me?

Millions of questions swirled around in my head. I was so worried about

her.

“Why did it have to be me?” Someone thought.

Was I losing my mind? Did I hear someone’s thought or was my brain

playing tricks on me?

“I’m so not up for this. I don’t like this. He’s completely mad by now, I’m
sure.” The stranger kept on thinking. I started to hear footsteps. I wasn’t
imagining anything. This was real. I was hearing someone approaching.
Finally!
“Hey! Get me out of here!” I shouted. But my voice sounded desperate. It
didn’t even sound like me.

“Oh crap! I can’t do this.” The stranger hesitated.

“No please, please don’t leave. Please get me out of here” I begged, my
voice getting more and more desperate.

“Damn it. I forgot that he could read minds.” He was still hesitant.
“Listen pall, I don’t care what’s up with you and Hillary, I’m just
following orders. Hillary’s orders. So don’t make a scene or I’ll tell her
that you’ve been missing around.” He warned me.

What was going on?

I heard it. A heart beat. A human’s heart beat.

It was so wet, so moist, and promising me warmth.

And then it all clicked. Hillary wanted to tempt me to drink human’s

blood. She wanted to make me give up on my beliefs.

No! She couldn’t possibly think that. I won’t give up my beliefs for the
world. I’ll never drink human’s blood. Never!

“NO!” I shouted. “Stop! You can’t do this! I won’t break down!”

“Man he’s fast. Well, if you won’t break then there would be no worries
then, right? He’ll sit in front of you, and you won’t have any problems.” I
already held my breath. If I held my breath, nothing would go wrong. I’ll
just have to wait through it.
I heard low whimpers. A man’s whimpers. The human’s. I closed my
eyes and kept myself from breathing. It was going to be very
uncomfortable, but I had to.

“Where are they taking me? Are they going to kill me? Why? What did I
do? Oh God please help me.” The human’s thoughts were very loud it
was hard to ignore.

“I didn’t do anything! I’m sorry. Please.” The man started to panic.

I started to panic, I squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn’t ignore the sound of

his racing heartbeat though. But I kept steady, silent, unmoving. I was
going to survive this. And so was he.

“Just stay silent, don’t move, and everything would be fine.” The stranger
lied to the human.

“Where are you taking me?” The human asked.

“We are going to do a little experiment.” The stranger told him.

It was an experiment. It was an experiment to see if I would cave in. to

see if my will would break.

I have to stay strong.

“What kind of experiments?” The human asked worriedly.

“You’ll see.” They were at the door. I could hear them. I could hear the
man’s heartbeat. Getting closer and closer. They opened the door.

The human gasped. He must have seen my horrendous state. He must

have seen the chains. He must have seen my face.

“What have they done to him?” The man thought. He was appalled.

“Why? What did you do to him?” The human asked the stranger.
“Oh, he’s the main subject of our experiment. The point is to see wither
he’s going to kill you or not.” The stranger explained. “Well, more like
seeing how long it would take him to kill you really.” He corrected
himself.

I kept my eyes shut, I never took a breath, and I waited.

“Kill me?” The human asked in a shaky voice. “Why would he want to
kill me?”

“Because he’s thirsty.” He whispered in the man’s ears.

A low whimper came from the human. I wanted to tell him that I was not
going to attack him. That everything was going to be fine. I wasn’t going
to hurt him. But I knew better than to speak. I’ll just stay silent until they
decide that I won’t break.

I heard the door close.

“NO! No please, let me out!” The human begged. “Please!” he knocked

hard on the door over and over again. He kept on yelling and shouting.
When he finally gave up I heard him move to the farthest corner away
from me.

Good decision.

We waited for about three hours. Nothing changed. His thoughts were as
chaotic as ever. He started to think about his family; his daughter, his son,
and his wife. He even started to think about his dog. I, on the other hand,
never moved a muscle. I never breathed, I never opened my eyes, and I
tried my best to not concentrate on his heartbeats. But they were too loud
and too fast that I couldn’t ignore them. So I counted his heartbeats.
Willing myself to remember that he was a person who had a family and a
dog, and a perfect life. I shouldn’t take that away from him.

We waited for two more hours. 14406 heartbeats later I heard someone
approaching. I heard two sets of footsteps.

They reached the door and opened it. I didn’t open my eyes. They paused
for a few moments at the door, and then one of them marched in. The
human started to back away further into the wall.
“Please … Please don’t.” The human saw a knife in the stranger’s hand.
He imagined himself getting killed in so many ways.

“Silence.” The stranger demanded in s stern voice.

“Please make it fast.” The human was giving up. He didn’t know that
they only wanted to cut his hand. To make it more difficult for me to
bear.

I saw the scene in the human’s head. The stranger took his arm, placed
the knife, and …

I blocked the images immediately. But I heard the human gasp in pain. I
heard the flow of the human’s blood. I could hear the trickling sound that
the drops of blood made on the floor. I tried to ignore it.

The two vampires went out, and left us alone. Again.

I kept as silent as ever. The human ripped a piece of cloth from his shirt
to cover the wound.

By chance, I found out that his name was Jackson. He was replaying
some of his memories. His wife was calling him to help her in the
kitchen, so he unwillingly got up from in front of the baseball game that
was on and went in the kitchen. He lovingly wrapped his arms around his
wife’s waist and gently kissed her neck while she giggled.

The human sniffed. He was crying. He missed her. He really loved his
family. And he was starting to accept the fact that he was never to see his
loved ones ever again.

I was determined not to destroy this man’s life. But if I didn’t someone
else will.

I had to protect him.

I willed myself that I will not lose control. I will not lose control.

I opened my eyes slowly and lifted my eyes from the ground to look at
the man.
He was looking at me with pure terror in his eyes.

I had some breath in my lungs. I was going to talk to him. So I had to

make my voice clear so I wouldn’t have to repeat what I say and therefore
waste my breath.

“I won’t harm you.” I told him.

“You won’t?” He asked in confusion.

I shook my head to him.

“Then why did they bring me here?”

“Why did they bring him here?” He wondered in his mind.

I still had some breath, but not enough. So I thought of something else
that would be useful. “I can’t breathe. I would attack you if I did. Just
stay silent and don’t move. Everything would be fine.” And there went
my air supply.

“How are we gonna get out?” He asked me.

I couldn’t reply.

“How?” He asked again.

I just closed my eyes and went back to my silent mood.

“What are they up to? Why are they keeping him locked up? This is so
strange. He looks like one of them. Yet he isn’t.” The man was as
confused as ever. Maybe he was even more confused than before, now
that I’ve spoken.

His thoughts kept on racing, but he followed my advice and kept silent.

The fact that I wasn’t breathing for almost seven hours straight, made me
really uncomfortable. But it was necessary.
I knew that I had to, but my instinct told me otherwise. I was really
uncomfortable. I had to take a small breath. Just to know what was going
on.

My determination wavered.

Maybe if I just took a small whiff …

No! I won’t do it. I’ll stay as I am.

The human fell asleep; he was snoring lightly. He was exhausted. Oh,
what I would give to have just a few hours of sleep.

I concentrated on his dreams though. He was dreaming of colors, just

random colors flickering around. And then the colors turned gray, dark
gray, black.

Then all of the sudden, his dream became a nightmare. His unconscious
mind flickered through unpleasant memories, dark memories. He was
going to work, and then he saw someone lying in the middle of the street.
He got out, though he felt like he shouldn’t, and went to help the person
who was lying on the floor.

He walked slowly towards the body that lied in the middle of the street.
He inspected it from afar. He didn’t want to go any closer. He backed
away quickly, he wanted to dial 911. But someone was standing by his
car, a dark figure with a long black cloak with a hood on that covered half
his face. He was big in comparison with the sedan.

“Excuse me, Sir?” He called out loud. “Could you call 911? I think this
man is-” A strong, ice-cold hand covered his mouth. He started to
struggle to get away from the person who was holding him. The person’s
arm flew around his neck, ceasing him from moving. It was painful. He
was gasping for air, panicking. He tried to speak, shout, cry, anything, but
in vain. The man that held him was too strong. Or was he too weak? Then
a black veil covered his head, blinding him. He was tied with a rope. And
his mouth was covered with a thick cloth. He couldn’t call for help, he
couldn’t see anything, and then his dream went pitch black again. Then,
unfortunately, his dream started to play in his mind over and over again. I
couldn’t wake him up. I couldn’t nudge him out of his horrible nightmare.
The human was sweating bullets in his sleep; his mind couldn’t stop the
images.

I couldn’t help him.

Could I?

No, I wouldn’t take an unnecessary breath for waking a man up because

he was having a nightmare. He’ll wake up on his own soon enough.

“Please … stop … plea-” he was mumbling in his sleep, he was trying to

run away. He was trying to wake up. But he couldn’t. It was like he was
trapped in his own dreams.

I couldn’t risk it.

It wasn’t worth it.

I kept still, thinking of some other way to wake him up. Maybe if I made
some noise.

The chains!

I wiggled the chains back and forth, making loud noise for him to wake
up.

It seemed to be working; he started twitching in his sleep. His dreams

started to get a bit hazy. He was waking up. But I was surprised when he
jumped up suddenly, gasping for air, like he was being suffocated.

I stopped wiggling the chains, and gave him a chance to process where he
was.

When his mind cleared up, and he got his train of thoughts back in track,
he looked at me and just stared at me. His thoughts were blank, he was
seeing black. His eyes were still trying to adjust to the lightless room. He
blinked a couple of times, and squinted his eyes so he could see well.
When his eyes finally adjusted, I was merely a dark figure to him as he
spoke.

“Thank you. I mean, I don’t know how you knew I was having a … bad
dream, maybe because I was sweating like a pig. But thank you
anyways.” I smiled, I knew that he couldn’t see me, but I did anyways. It
was the first time I smiled in weeks.

I looked back down to the floor, seeing nothing, and thinking of Bella.
Remembering memories of her and I. I remembered the way she smelled,
her soft skin, her long beautiful brown hair, her human brown eyes, and
her pink cheeks. I remembered the way she spoke, the way she laughed,
the way she looked away when she was embarrassed or shy. I
remembered the feeling of her soft lips against mine, and the way she
tasted. I remembered every detail of her. It helped me forget where I was
for just a few minutes. But at the same time, it broke my heart; because I
knew that I was never going to see her again, that I was never going to
touch her face, to tell her that I loved her more than anything, to see her
smile, to hear her laugh, to just be with her.

I would never have the chance to say goodbye.

It was over. I will always be stuck here in this dark room for the rest of
my miserable, useless existence.

Jackson squinted his eyes in the darkness, and crept forward a little.
When he saw my face he gasped. “Oh, God! His face! I’ve never seen
anyone so … broken. Why is he grieving? Did he lose someone?” Yes. I
lost my life, my love, and my everything. “Or was he hopeless that he
was never going to get out of here?” That too, but that wasn’t necessary.
It didn’t matter anymore. I don’t care. “I just wish there was something I
could do. But I don’t know what. What am I good at?” He thought for a
moment. He came up with nothing. “There must be something that I’m
good at.” He kept on thinking. But still nothing. “I’ll just do what he
says. Keep my mouth shut and not move. That’s easy enough. But there’s
a problem. A really big one, but now isn’t the time!! I’ll just hold it in. I
could last for a couple more hours. What’s the worst that could
happen?”

Two hours later.

“Crap, I really need to pee. I can’t hold it in any longer.” He was
trembling all over. I could actually feel his pain, it’s like his bladder
would explode at any moment. It actually might. “Stay quite. Just keep it
in. Crap! Crap! Crap …” He really needed to have a human moment.

It’s been two weeks and four days since I’ve fed. It is not safe to take a
breath, but it wouldn’t help if the man exploded. I have to get used to it
anyways.

I steadied myself. I held on to the chains. The man looked at me once he

heard the clinking of the chains.

I took a deep breath.

GOD!!

My throat was literally on fire! It made me go mad! I started to growl

uncontrollably. The monster was out, and I was trapped inside, just like
the man in his dreams.

Only it wasn’t a dream. It was real.

I was snarling but I never moved a muscle. I was roaring in pain. The
thirst got to a point where it was painful, torturing. I was gasping for
some clean air, but the room is windowless. The stuffed air was filled
with the human’s scent.

STOP!

I won’t kill an innocent man. I have to fight this. I have to control this. If
Carlisle could do it for three hundred years, then so can I!

My snarling ceased. But I was now whimpering in pain, it’s like I was
drinking acid, or someone was shoving benzene down my throat then lit it
on fire!

I had to fight this; I had to think around it.

“HILLARY!” I screamed out loud. The man winced at the sound of my

voice. It was gruff, hoarse due to the disuse of it. But still loud enough to
rock the walls.
I was holding onto the chains for dear life. I didn’t want to let it go. I
couldn’t. If I did, I was sure to break them and then kill Jackson. The man
who had a family who he loved. I kept reminding myself that over and
over to keep me from losing my mind.

I started to think of Bella, Carlisle, Esme, Rose, Alice, Jazz, and Emmett.
They would surely be disappointed in me if I lost control. I made an oath
that I was never to kill a human for blood. I was determined on keeping
that oath.

I kept on reminding myself - more like distracting myself really - with

memories. Good memories.

Bella and I in our meadow.

My family and I playing baseball in the middle of a thunder storm.

Jazz and Em playing, and then fighting because one of them wouldn’t
accept losing.

Alice buying us new clothes, and planning big events.

Rose fixing her M3, and growling at whoever gets near her car.

Carlisle reading his huge book, and the look on his face when patients
thank him for saving them.

Esme trying out gardening for a change, or knitting, or even cooking.

Tanya’s hideous and straightforward thoughts of me, and her

underappreciated care.

Carmen’s grace and understanding.

Eleazar’s loyalty to his family, and his unending love for Carmen.

Irina’s foolish protectiveness.

Garrett’s adventurous stories.

Kate trying her shocks on Garrett and me.

I even thought of Jacob’s love for Bella, he would definitely take care of
her when I’m gone.
Too many memories flowed through my mind, until finally I heard her
thoughts.

“I knew he would control it.” Her thoughts were smug.

I wanted to rip her head off!

BPOV:

“AAHHH …” My screams turned into sobs. The pain was excruciating,

they just kept on ripping my arms off then putting it back using venom. It
was too much, I can’t take it; it hurts too much. Why won’t the just kill
me and get it over with? Why are they doing this?

“I’m bored.” One of the vampires said lazily. I saw him pouring little
venom on my arm – I don’t even want to think how they got the venom
bottled - and then he stuck it forcefully back to my torso. I screamed in
pain as the venom started reattaching my arm to my body. It was even
worse than the ripping process. It burned, slowly. Once it heals, they’ll
rip it off again.

“Please … Stop! … Kill me … Just stop …” I managed to choke out

through my sobs.

The two savages laughed darkly. “Oh, it’ll be over soon sugar.” I
shuddered out of both disgust and fear.

I heard footsteps outside the locked door.

“That’s probably her.” One of the vampires said happily.

“Open the door.” The other one ordered.

I tried to break through the titanium chains that were wrapped around my
waist, my neck, and my legs for the millionth time, but all in vain.
The black haired vampire, the one closer to me, slapped my face so hard
that my skin cracked. It healed instantly though.

“Shut up!” He ordered, pointing his finger at me.

The short vampire opened the door. A girl walked in. She looked so
young.

“Hmm … it looks like you have done a very good job, boys. I’m
impressed.” She smiled sweetly to them.

“Thank you Amanda. How’s Hillary?” The short one asked casually.

“She’s fine. She’s handling the other one. He’s unexpectedly tough. He
has quite a restraint. But then again who could bet against Christina.” She
laughed.

“But how could he? He hasn’t fed for two weeks. That’s impossible.” The
dark haired vampire said unbelievingly.

“Well, he’s old enough, he has a special gift that makes it difficult for
him to murder any humans, and … well, he’s holding on to his beliefs.”
She glanced at me briefly. “You could go boys. I’ll take it from here.”

Beliefs? Was she talking about Edward? She couldn’t be. Was he okay?
What did she mean by “handling him”? Were they torturing him like
they’re doing to me? Worse?

“Okay. If you say so. We’ll come back later.” The short one said.

“Bye Charles.” She told the dark haired one, Charles. “And take your
time hunting Victor. I want your eyes bright red.” She grinned at the short
one named Victor.

They laughed as they went out shutting the door and locking it behind
them.

I stared at the little girl, why would she send both of them away? Does
this mean that I get to get a break too?

She looked back at me and smiled. “Well, your beloved Edward is

fighting temptations. He is very … stubborn.” She told me.

“Is he okay?” I asked her in a broken voice. Oh please let him be okay.
“That depends on what you mean by okay.” She laughed. Making me
shudder.

“I have some business I should take care of. So, this might hurt just a
little.” She smiled, and then I felt it.

Fire.

Scorching fire everywhere. She lit me on fire. I remembered the night I

was transformed. The worst night of my life. That’s why I never wanted
to remember it. My mind was blocking it. But the moment I felt the fire,
every memory of that night returned to me. It was like every inch of my
skin, every vein, every bone was on fire. I couldn’t do anything to stop it,
I thrashed and screamed but it was all for nothing. The fire never ceased
for hours, or was it minutes? I wouldn’t know; the agony that filled every
cell in my body made me lose every coherent thought. I wasn’t feeling,
thinking, or hearing anything but the pain. I would take the ripping of my
arms and the burning as the venom reattached my limps now, a billion
times. I’d take it and be grateful.

It just went on and on. It never stopped. When was I going to die? When
were they going to kill me? Or was I already dead, and went to hell?
Maybe this is hell! I died and I’m in hell.

Does hell have an end? Or would I stay here for all eternity? But I don’t
recall doing something so horrible that would send me straight to hell; I
never killed a human; I never harmed anyone – physically – not as a
vampire nor as a human. Do all vampires go to hell? But I thought we
don’t die, I thought nothing could kill us.

I wanted to stop this, to push this away, didn’t I have a shield? Why
wasn’t it working? Wasn’t it supposed to protect me from this sort of
pain?

Suddenly, the pain stopped. I could still feel the burning but it was less,
way less. It was like I’ve been burnt, for real, and now I was feeling the
pain that came after it. I looked at my skin, and it was a bit paler. But
nothing changed. I still felt the burning. It lingered in my body. I looked
around me. I was still in the dark room. I never moved from here. I was
here the entire time. I looked around and spotted the little girl looking at
me in anger, she was gasping for air just like me. Did she feel that pain
too?

“How did you do that?” She breathed angrily.

“Do what? I didn’t do anything.” Surely she didn’t think that I was the
one who caused this unbearable pain.

“How did you invert my gift against me?” She growled.

Her gift? Causing fire was her gift? Torture was this little innocent girl’s
gift? “I … I don’t know. You did this to me?” I asked her, she couldn’t
possibly …

“Yes. Until you twisted it and used my gift against me!” She was
extremely annoyed.

I couldn’t believe it. This innocent little girl caused me the most
excruciating pain I’ve ever endured in almost seven years now. How
could her innocence be such a … monstrosity? A torturing device?

“HOW?” She growled loudly.

“I don’t know!” I said tiredly. I was too weak to growl, though I wanted
to.

She shrieked then went out the room, breaking the lock as she went.

I was left alone. I needed to think.

Why didn’t my shield protect me? Didn’t my shield protect me from all
mind-manipulating gifts? And then I wondered. What if that wasn’t one
of these gifts? What if it was real pain? Real physical pain? Like
controlling something inside the body that could cause such pain. Like
venom. Maybe she controlled the venom, or the flow of it. I wouldn’t
know, but I was sure that it was physical.

I tried to get out of the chains again. I grasped at the chain around my
neck and my waist and pulled, hard. But they were too strong. I huffed,
and then tried again. I heard the strong metal groaning as it started to cave
in. I growled as I pulled even harder. It was like pulling a building. It
groaned louder in protest, until it broke.
I broke titanium chains. I gasped for air I didn’t need. But I was too weak,
and tired. I didn’t hunt for almost a week, and I didn’t hunt for a few days
before I was even taken.

There were chains that were still wrapped around my legs. I pulled on to
the chain that was around my left leg, the chains were attached to the
ground, so I pulled upwards. I had to break them, I had to find him. I had
to find Edward. Like before, the chains groaned. The ground cracked
underneath my feet. I pulled as hard as I can, until the floor shattered and
the chain was loose.

I did the same to the chains around my right leg. And I was free. The
chains were still wrapped around me, but they were weightless. The door
was still open. I took a deep breath, and I smelt a number of things at
once. Scents of vampires I didn’t know, scents of cement, scents of fresh
metal, and the scent of fresh air, rain, and trees. I had to follow that scent,
I had to get out. I had to find him. I took another deep breath, just to make
sure that he wasn’t here.

I gasped.

He was here. I smelt his scent, he was here. He was so near me. I knew he
was near me.

“EDWARD!” I yelled his name.

“Edward answer me!” I kept screaming over and over.

I had to find him.

EPOV:

“I knew he would control it.” Her thoughts were smug.

I wanted to rip her head off.

“HILLARY!” I screamed her name.

“Hillary? Who the hell is Hillary? What’s going on!?” The man was
freaking out, mainly because of how I look right now, but also because he
knew things were about to change.

“Who are you talking to? Who’s Hillary? Is she gonna get us out of
here?” He asked me in a rush. I honestly didn’t care what the man
thought. All I cared about was getting him out of this – now suddenly
very small - room before it was too late.

“Calm down darling.” I heard Hillary behind the door, she was unlocking
it.

“Who’s that? Is she gonna hurt us?” Jackson was kind enough to still
think of me as a victim, though it was completely the opposite. I was the
predator, and he was the helpless prey.

“Get him out. NOW!” I said through my teeth. She walked in, and I let a
growl slip through my lips.

“Why would I?” she asked in amusement. “Aren’t you comfortable

Jackson?” She asked him, he visibly cringed when she addressed him.

“Please, don’t hurt us.” He begged in a small voice.

Hillary stared at him for a moment, and then suddenly laughed.

“Oh you poor human.” She said in between her snickering. “He shall not
be harmed, you on the other hand …” She trailed off.

“Won’t be harmed either.” I completed her sentence. Though I knew that

is definitely not what she was thinking of.

She looked at me in both surprise and anger.

I could see her discomfort around Jackson, his blood’s scent lingered in
the air. I held my breath when I wasn’t speaking.
“Get. Him. Out. Now!” I uttered every word as slow and as menacing as
possible.

Her thoughts wavered for a moment.

“Or what?” She challenged, smiling at me tauntingly.

I just stared at her. I think she knew “or what”. She stared at me waiting
for an answer she knew wasn’t coming.

“Fine.” She was smiling.

That hit a nerve. “He will not be harmed, or I swear I will-”

“You will what?” she interrupted me. “Attack me? You’re in unbreakable
chains Edward. Even a vampire couldn’t break them.”

She didn’t just say …

“Vampire?” Jackson asked in disbelief.

“Ops.” Hillary acted all innocent, pretended that she slipped and said
something she shouldn’t have said to a human, ever. “You shouldn’t have
known that.”

Jackson wasn’t concerned about her anymore, he was staring at me. He

was frightened, hurt and … hopeless.

“A vampire? That’s a vampire? I’ve been staying in a windowless cell

with a vampire? This has to be some sorts of a joke! There are no such
things as vampires, are there? This couldn’t be happening. But then
again, he never ate, drank nor did he go to the bathroom since I’ve got
here. He seems to have stayed here much longer than just a few days
though. He obviously didn’t … feed for quite some time, more like weeks.
Is that what this is all about? That’s the experiment? I’m the guinea pig.
No, he was the guinea pig. But then what am I? Was I the food at the
finish line? The prize if the experiment worked? The treat?” He was
utterly lost. He didn’t know if I was one of the good guys or one of the
bad guys. I honestly don’t know either.
I knew that Hillary told Jackson about vampires so he wouldn’t live long,
no human should know about the existence of us. She deliberately gave
out the secret.

This can’t be good.

“Let’s go.” She called for someone outside. But whoever it is wasn’t
going, they were coming here.

“Don’t even try to fight. I’m a bit thirsty, he should be tasty.” Hillary
thought to me.

“NO!” I shouted. “NO! YOU WILL NOT HURT HIM!” I was struggling
to get out of the chains. I heard the chains groan as I pulled. Hillary didn’t
notice that. So I kept pulling and yelling so I my voice would cover the
sound of the caving metal.

“What’s going on? What’s happening?” Jackson was panicking. I won’t

let them hurt that man. I won’t let them hurt anyone. This was enough.

“Shut up.” Hillary silenced him.

“GO TO HELL!” I roared as I pulled harder, just a few more seconds.

Whoever was coming was near the door.

She looked at me in concern; she knew that I was still strong enough to
punch a hole through a cement wall. But she was counting on the fact that
these titanium chains were unbreakable. She didn’t know that even she
could break them with no effort at all.

“I WILL DISTROY YOU. YOU ARE DEAD!” I cried out loud, it was
somewhat painful; I was pulling the chains – they were extremely
powerful – and it was hurting my arms. I was weak from the lack of
feeding; my body wasn’t as strong as it was when I was fed. I tried to pull
harder. When I knew that one more pull would break the chains I looked
at Hillary and smiled.

She looked at me skeptically. “Why are you smiling?”

I looked at Jackson. “I’m going to take you back home, safe and sound.”
His eyes were swimming in tears the moment I said the word “home”.

Hillary looked at me in alarm, she knew that I wasn’t kidding or lying to

comfort him. She knew I wasn’t pretending.

I stared into her eyes.

I pulled the chains one last time. I screamed in pain, I felt like my arms
were coming out of their sockets. Maybe they were.

“He’s going to break the chains.” I heard Jackson’s thoughts.

I pulled as hard as I can. I heard Hillary growling over my screams. I

looked at her through my squinted eyes and saw her crouching, ready to
spring at me once I’m free from the chains.

The chains groaned louder, meaning I was about to break them. Just a
few more moments and I would be free.

I heard a loud screeching sound as the chains were finally separated. I

didn’t give Hillary a chance and through the still-wrapped-chain-on-my-
arm at her, it spun around her neck. I pulled her quickly before she could
process what was happening. She stumbled my way and hit me. I
instantly grabbed her hair and pulled her head back so she could look into
my black eyes.

“Goodbye.” She gasped, but didn’t give her a chance to do more than
that.

I bent down and bit her neck, then twisted her head and easily beheaded
the nightmare that haunted me for a hundred years.

The moment her body slammed the floor the door went flying across the
room as someone pushed it away.

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

It was Charlie.
I ran and crouched in front of Jackson instantly and growled. I knew he
wasn’t here to help me; he was here to take him away and kill him. I
wasn’t going to allow that.

“Edward. You don’t want this to get …” He spotted Hillary’s

dismembered body. “Missy.” He completed.

He looked back at me, and then he crouched. “Maybe we should end

this.” He said as he growled.

“Get back.” I warned Jackson, he leaned in to the wall.

I stared at him for one moment, and then I remembered Bella. She would
never forgive me if I killed Charlie. Or would she? I mean he is not really
considered to be a good guy anymore. He must have left her mother
heartbroken, he held me captive for almost three weeks now, and he was
harming humans. I don’t think she would be mad with me for killing him.
Would she? But then I remembered. I was that person to her the last time
I saw her. She thought that I was the bad guy. But she never gave up hope
on me, but I was faking. I wasn’t really a bad guy. I just wanted to protect
her, and she easily blew my cover. Well, Jacob did. But she thought I was
bad, and she still gave me a chance. Her mother would do the same to
Charlie. She would do the same, too. I couldn’t kill him, but I could still
kick his ass.

He growled louder and started to launch at me. I saw it all in his head.
What his next move was. What he was about to do. What he was planning
on doing.

He thought of jumping and knocking me to the ground. Before it actually

happened, I moved quickly to the left and stepped right behind him,
throwing my right arm around his neck, and grabbing his left arm behind
his back.

He quickly tackled me, like a reflex reaction of an assault, I didn’t see it

coming. We both fell to the ground. He quickly jumped away from me,
he was across the room, and then he crouched again.

I growled. Not in anger but in excitement. I thought he would be an easy

hunt like Hillary.
I launched at him this time. I knocked him to the ground and got him into
a headlock.

“Is that all you’ve got? Huh Charlie?” I asked him.

He was building up a growl in his chest, about to attack again, but I was
sick of him. I ripped his arms off swiftly, then his legs so he wouldn’t
move at all. His screams echoed through the room, making Jackson
wince.

“You deserve far worse than this.” I looked down at him; he was still
squirming in pain. I threw his arms and legs in the far corner. The farthest
away from Jackson.

“Get up.” I told him, I knew my voice was cold, harsh, but he had to
know that this was no time for missing around.

He got up clumsily; he swayed a little before he steadied himself. He

hasn’t eaten anything in days.

We started walking, we went out of the room, leaving writhing Charlie

behind.

I took a deep breath – it was funny how Jackson’s blood didn’t affect me
anymore – and smelt rain, and fresh air. I followed that scent.

“Didn’t you want to … go?” The action must have made him forget that
he wanted to have a human minute.

“Go?” He didn’t understand what I was saying.

“I mean have a human minute.” I tried to be as polite and as plain as

possible.

His face changed color. He was embarrassed. “You knew.”

I found the door that led us outside, I opened it and it was dark. We kept
walking tell we were at some thick bushes.

I was about to tell him that it was okay when I heard someone screaming
from inside the warehouse. The screaming was so loud and filled with
agony that it made the hair on my arms stand up.
I knew who it was instantly, though I never heard her screaming like that,
ever.

The screaming stopped all of the sudden.

“What the hell was that?” Jackson asked in horror.

“Stay here.” I ordered him, and then ran as fast as I can back into the
building to save my love.

I heard a growl – more like a shriek – and something wrecking. Someone

was walking angrily a few feet away. I stood still, waiting to see who this
was.

I didn’t know who she was. She spotted me, and then growled again.

She was thinking of what she did to Bella, she thought of how she
tortured her. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. This couldn’t have
happened. Oh God, Bella. My love.

I growled back louder than I’ve ever growled before, then launched at her
without thinking. She didn’t have the chance to respond. I took hold of
her neck and as I was about to bite her neck, pain racked through my
entire body.

I was on fire!

This couldn’t be happening again! No, that’s impossible, I was already a

vampire, I couldn’t be transforming again.

I endured the pain in silence, because it wasn’t real. It couldn’t be! It was
in my head. I knew I was imagining this, but why would I? It was the last
thing I wanted to remember, let alone endure it again.

I heard someone calling my name, but I didn’t focus enough to know who
it was, the pain overshadowed everything. I couldn’t think, hear, or do
anything.

I was paralyzed. I opened my mouth to scream or say anything, to beg for

whomever it is who was doing this to me to just stop. Or kill me. Or
something. Anything. But nothing came out, not even a breath. I couldn’t
push the air out of my lungs. I couldn’t even ask for help.
Someone called my name again, it was getting closer. Please find me and
put me out of my misery.

Let me die, let me die, let me die.

I heard someone gasp from a close distance. Then the pain went away.

I crumbled to the floor, the pain was gone, but my body was worn out. I
was literally tired. Exhausted. I faintly heard someone growling over the
ringing in my ears.

The fire was still there, I felt it vaguely. But it was definitely gone. I
gasped for air I didn’t need. Somehow I was out of breath.

Someone called my name.

But I couldn’t respond, I couldn’t move; I was too tired.

I just wished that I would sleep, for just a little while. Just to rest, to
forget the world, to dream, and to just slip away from reality.

I wanted to forget everything. And focus only on one thing.

Bella.

My Bella! I had to get up. I had to save her. I had to get up. But
someone’s hands pushed me down, they were warm. No, they were too
warm, almost hot.

“Bella. I have to …” I tried to get up again, but someone was pinning me

to the ground. My body couldn’t fight the pressure.

“She’s fine. She took out almost everyone here. She’s out hunting.” I
knew the voice, it was familiar.

“The man, the human, Jackson. Help him.” I begged the familiar voice.

“He’s fine; we gave him something to eat. Carlisle is on his way to help
you.” Carlisle? My father? He was coming?

I remembered now who this was, it was Jacob. I looked weakly at him.
He had the look of pity in his eyes. I saw myself in his head. God, I
looked awful. My eyes were not only black, but it was like looking
through a grave. My skin was rough, ash-like, and too pale. I think my
skin was even cracked a little. Like a dry land in the desert. It wasn’t like
that a few minutes ago. I mean I know I didn’t feed for quite some time,
but this was as if I didn’t hunt for months rather than just three weeks.

“Bella … I need …” I tried to tell him that I needed to see her, but I
couldn’t bring the air out of my lungs. It was like there was no air to
bring out, and it was too hard to take a breath in.

“Edward!” I heard my father’s voice. I didn’t know where it was coming

from though.

“Carl … Carlisle?” I looked around trying to find him.

“Son? Oh God, what happened to you?” I felt Carlisle at my side. I

looked to my side and found him, I reached out for him, but my arms
weighted like a hundred tons. He knew what I was up to, and held my
hand. I closed my eyes in utter defeat to the tiredness.

“Bella!” I managed to whisper. He would know that I needed her.

“Jacob could you please go and get-”

“EDWARD!” My eyes snapped open.

Bella. She was here. My Bella.

“Bella …” I whispered so low, I think I only thought it.

I heard a sob. Was she crying? Why? Was she hurt?

“Edward.” I barely heard her whisper. “I’m here.” She said a bit more
clearly.

I smiled. At least I tried to. I smelt her scent; I took a deep breath,
relishing her sweet scent. I missed her so much.

I felt a very light pressure on my right hand, and then the softest pressure
on my forehead.

“You’re going to be okay.” I heard her whispering in my ear.

I tilted my head a little to look at her face. She was as beautiful as ever.
Her eyes were black. She didn’t hunt in a while. I lifted my hand to touch
her face. She held my hand against her soft cheek. I smiled a bit more
widely.

And then a question hit me. “What are you doing here?”

A look of confusion and hurt was on her face. “You want me to … go?”
She asked in a hushed voice.

I frowned. “No. Never. I meant what are you doing here? Why are you
here? How did you find me?” I still couldn’t raise my voice to more than
a whisper.

“I … I was taken too. I was looking for you in the forest, but then Hillary
found me …” She trailed off; she must have noticed the look on my face.

I wanted this bitch alive so I could kill her again.

“You were screaming. I heard you.” I winced. I would never forget the
way she screamed.

“Yeah, the girl you attacked had a gift of consuming the blood in you.
She sort of dries the blood, or evaporates it. I think she could dry venom,
too. So, mainly, she dehydrates the body. It’s like she drinks you dry,
only remotely.” This time, it was her who winced.

That’s why I feel like I didn’t hunt for months. I didn’t have a single drop
of blood left in me. And the venom that’s inside of me is nearly dried out.
A bit longer with her torture and I could have turned into ashes.

I nodded weakly, and closed my eyes. I wanted to rest; I wanted to be in

my angel’s arms and just rest.

“Edward?” I heard Carlisle tell me.

“What?” I whined.

“I need you to drink this.” I opened my eyes. I looked at the cup Carlisle
was holding up. It was red, blood red. Was it actually blood?

“What is that?” I asked. I sniffed once, it was certainly blood. But it

wasn’t what I was hoping for.

“That’s animal’s blood Edward, Emmett brought it for you. Jasper, Alice,
and Rosalie are on their way with more.” Carlisle told me. My siblings
were helping me. More like saving me. The burn in my throat was
beyond words. It was too dry that it actually hurts to breath, let alone
speak. But I was too tired to care.

Bella helped me set up. I leaned against the wall as Carlisle bent down to
give me the cup. He actually put a straw.

I laughed weakly. “Where’s the small umbrella?” I wanted to lighten the

mood. Everyone was so blue.

It worked. They laughed. I specifically focused on Bella’s laugh. I missed

the sound of her laugh, I missed everything about her.

I took the cup from Carlisle’s hand, put the straw between my dry lips,
and sipped weakly. The moment the blood filled my mouth, I moaned in
gratitude.

Bella’s face crumbled with grief as she watched me. She was upset that I
was that thirsty.

I then started to drink properly, gulping down the entire cup in a matter of
seconds. I could tell it was elk’s blood; it didn’t have the same richness as
the mountain lion or the grizzly’s blood. But, all in all, it was blood. I was
starting to get a bit stronger already. I tried to stand up, but failed. I
wasn’t that strong yet.

I heard someone outside. It was Jasper, followed by Alice. I could hear

their worried thoughts.

“I hope we’re not too late.” Jasper’s thoughts were panicked.

Alice’s weren’t so hectic. “Oh God, he looks so weak.” She had a vision
of me earlier.

“Edward?” I heard Jasper call from outside.

“In here Jazz.” I said weakly. But loud enough.

“Oh thank God!” He was mentally and visibly relieved.

He walked in, his face lit up when he saw me, but then he winced when
he noticed my weak condition. It was good he wasn’t here a few minutes
ago.

“Hey bro.” I helloed with a smile.

“Hey man. How are you holding up?” He asked worriedly.

“I’m hanging in there.” I chuckled quietly.

He had a cup in his hand. He caught my longing gaze and went to give
me the cup filled with blood.

“Your personal favorite.” He told me as he handed me the cup.

I took a sip. Mountain lion. I smiled at him and continued drinking.

I didn’t notice Alice walking in, but when I saw her she had her hand
covering her mouth in horror. I just finished drinking my second cup, so I
set it down and got up. I was strong enough now. I walked unsteadily to
her and reached my arms out for her.

She was hesitant.

“It’s okay Alice.” I assured her smiling.

A sob escaped her lips before running into my welcoming arms. I held
her as she sobbed lightly. God, I missed that little pixie.

“I’m sorry Edward, I’m so sorry.” She kept on apologizing.

I was confused. Why in the world would she be apologizing? I pulled her
away slightly so I could take a look at her face. “Why are you
apologizing?”

She looked at me with utter guilt in her eyes. “If I saw this just a few
minutes before it happened, this wouldn’t have happened. I’m sorry.” She
apologized again.

I shook my head to her. “Don’t be. You did your best Ali, you saved me.”
I stroked her cheek. She really had nothing to apologize for. I was here,
alive because of her. “You don’t need to apologize. There’s nothing to
apologize for.” I assured her as I hugged her again.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” She hugged me tighter.

I smiled at her one more time before walking outside the warehouse. I
could smell the thick scent of burning incense in the air.

“I’ll go get the car, Jasper come with me.” Alice pulled Jasper’s arm and
walked into the forest.

“I’ll call Esme.” Carlisle announced, and then walked away.

“I’ll … go and tell the pack that we found you guys.” Jacob excused
himself; they all wanted to give me and Bella some privacy.

I could hear her walking behind me. I could smell her scent in the air. I
took a deep breath and turned around.

Her face was so beautiful, though she looked incredibly miserable. No,
she felt guilty. What for? She was taken too; she couldn’t have possibly
done anything to stop this.

I took a step forward, hoping to touch her face. She took a step back.

I stopped. I stared at her in confusion, I was worried. Scared that she

would reject me again. What have I done to upset her?

She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She just
stood there, speechless.

A few moments later, she tried again. “Edward, I …” I waited for her to
continue, but she didn’t say anything.

“What is it Bella?” I was seriously concerned now. What was she

thinking about?

She took a deep breath. “I killed Charlie.” She announced. Her eyes were
glued to the floor. “He told me everything, he never really loved my
mother, and he was a complete liar. He wasn’t the one who changed me
and mom. It was someone else. I don’t know who. Neither Renee nor I
knew who changed us. We can’t remember. So he used this blind spot
against us. I thought he … changed. I never thought that he could do
this.” She shook her head in disbelief.

“Bella I-”

“I should have believed you.” She went on. “I never should have trusted
him. I should have known.” She was crying.

I closed the short distance between us in three strides, and hugged her
tightly. I let her cry tearlessly against my chest. She was guilty because
she didn’t believe me.

I took her face in my hands and brought her face up so she could see me.

“There’s nothing in this world that could make me stop loving you. Not
Charlie, not anyone, not even death.” I stared right into her eyes so she
would know that I was telling the truth. “I love you. I always loved you,
and I always will love you.”

She stared at me in complete shock. Her mouth was hanging open, her
eyes were popped out, and she was utterly speechless.

Suddenly her expression changed. I don’t know wither it was

determination or certainty. She didn’t give me a chance to decide, she
leaned up, threw her arms around my neck, and kissed me with all the
passion she had. I was frozen for a fraction of a second. I was taken
aback. But once my brain started working again and realized what was
going on, I kissed her back with as much passion as hers. I missed her
terribly. I just can’t understand how I stayed alive – if that’s what I am –
without her all this time.

I snaked my arm around her waist and pulled her body closer,
memorizing every inch of her. I knotted my other hand in her soft hair,
pulling her face closer to mine. And before long, we were both gasping
for unneeded air.

I was on fire, a different – rather good – kind of fire. I couldn’t believe

that I was back in her arms. I never want to let her go.

She broke the kiss. I didn’t notice that it started to rain. I couldn’t feel the
rain on my skin; the fire that I was feeling right now consumed me, and
overshadowed everything else. She held my face between her small, soft
hands, and looked me square in the eyes.

“I love you. Always.” She said with utter determination, and sincerity.

In this precise moment, I knew that everything would be alright. I knew

that I was in my own small, perfect paradise on earth. And I knew that
Bella will always be by my side.

This embrace, this kiss, this love will last forever.

I gently brushed her face with the back of my hand. She leaned into my
touch, holding my hand against her face, her eyes never leaving mine.

A thought hit me like a strike of lightening. If we will be together forever,

why not make it official? I know it sounds a bit silly, but I want to have
some formality and a bit of normality in our relationship. This is the next
step after falling in love in the humans’ lives, isn’t it?

I bet Alice already saw the future wedding. That is if Bella said yes of
course. What if she said no? But why would she? I love her, and
apparently – by some miracle – she loves me as well. I don’t believe she
would say no. But it’s possible.

“What are you thinking so deeply about?” Bella interrupted my chaotic

train of thoughts.

I felt something covering me, surrounding me. That must be Bella’s

shield. It got – if possible – heavier. I quickly thought of something else.
Anything.

The human. I don’t know what happened to Jackson. I worried for him.
Where was he? Was he safe? Did he return to his family?

Bella smiled. “He’s safe. Sam took him back home. He explained to him
what we were. He made an oath that he would never tell a soul. Maggie
was sure of his honesty, so they let him go. He told me to tell you that he
really appreciates your help, and that he’ll never forget your strong stand
by him.” I smiled as she told me this. “You saved his life.” She lightly
caressed my face. She was proud of me.

I slowly leaned in and gave her a brief chastely kiss.

“Let’s hunt.” I said grinning.

She smiled widely, grabbed my hand, and we ran into the forest.

We started at dawn, and we didn’t finish until it was in the late afternoon.
I hunted all sorts of animals. Elks, mountain lions, and grizzlies. Bella
only hunted grizzlies and mountain lions. Staying as far away from elks
as possible. She hated them. I can’t blame her.

I was just finishing off my last mountain lion, drinking the last few drops
of blood that were left in him when I spotted Bella leaning on a tree and
staring at me. I threw the dried out carcass to the floor.

“What?” I asked smiling at the way she appraised me. I must have been a
scene, I was still in the same clothes I wore a few weeks ago, and then I
hunted in them just now. So they must have been as good as dishrags.

“Nothing.” She said trying to fight a smile.

I walked to where she stood and wrapped my arms around her waist.

“What are you staring at?” I asked her as I leaned in to kiss her neck.

She giggled. “I wasn’t staring. I was just watching you hunt.”

“Mmhmm.” I took a deep breath – enjoying her scent – and exhaled in

relief. I missed everything about her.

She shuddered lightly as I breathed into her neck. I smiled; I was sort of
smug to know that I still affected her that way.

I laid light kisses along her neck, up her jaw line until I reached her lips.
It started out slow – sweet and innocent. But then it got more urgent, and
much more passionate. Right then I realized how much I missed her. I
couldn’t even describe the way I felt at that precise moment. I was so …
alive.

I kissed her fervently, and she kissed back with as much enthusiasm. We
soon relived our first time together again.

BPOV:
“EDWARD!” I yelled his name.

“Edward answer me!” I kept screaming over and over.

I had to find him.

I walked through the halls, trying to follow his scent. It got much more
powerful.

I spotted the little girl that was torturing me a while ago, but she wasn’t
alone. I moved closer and saw the most horrific scene I have ever saw. I
gasped in horror.

Edward’s body was rigid. His face was … inexplicable. I could literally
see him getting … dry? She was dehydrating him? The same way she
tortured to me?

I growled loudly and used her gift against her.

I focused on her. She screamed for a minute but then her screams turned
into breathless screeches. I could see her skin turning paler, becoming
more and more ash-like, and cracking. She was literally shrinking, and
then suddenly she was starting to disintegrate into sand. No, ash! She was
turning into ash. She was turning into nothing!

I watched her as she crumbled to the ground. I didn’t notice the vampire
who was behind me. He launched at me, pinning me to the ground. I
pushed his body away from me, slamming him into the farthest wall. I got
up and decayed him the way I decayed Amanda – only now it was much
faster, I only wanted Amanda to suffer.

I spotted another one in the distance, I knew who he was. That was
Victor, the one who slapped me on the face. The one who tortured me. I
growled and attacked him, he jumped away from me, and I landed on the
floor. I launched at him again, this time capturing his neck. I quickly bit
his neck and twisted his head harshly beheading him. I threw his head
away and spat the taste of his venom disgustingly.

I heard a familiar voice in a room nearby. The scent of blood was vivid in
there. Human’s blood.
I walked in carefully. A torn apart vampire lay in the middle of the room.
In the corner were two arms and two legs. But all the way across the
room, laid a torso of a man.

“Bella?” I was struck. This can’t be happening.

“Charlie?” I asked exasperated.

“Bella, please help me.” He begged me. He eyed the rest of his body that
was laid carelessly in the opposite corner of him.

“Who did this to you?” I asked suspiciously.

“Edward!” He answered in a hushed tone.

Edward? I looked around again. Some chains were hanging loose from
the ceiling. He was here. He was held captive here. But he broke free. I
took a better look at the dismembered corpse. It was Hillary! He killed
her. He ended the one person I wanted to kill.

But then he attacked Charlie. He didn’t kill him though. He just left him
lying there. He didn’t want to kill him, because I told him not to. He kept
his promise. He really loves me. He had the chance to kill the murderer of
his family, but he let it slip right through his hands. Because I asked him
to.

“Charlie?” I stared at his arms and legs, but I didn’t make a move.

“Help me, Bella.” His voice was weak.

“Did you or did you not change me and my mother?” I made my question
as clear as possible.

“Yes, of course I did.” He was confused by my question.

So I asked him a different question.

“What was the color of our car?” If he answered that correctly, then he is
telling the truth.

“What?” he asked quietly.

“What was the color of our car?” I asked again. He was evading the
question. Bad sign.
“I don’t know Bella, I can’t remember.” Wrong answer.

“Alright, what was our car’s type?” I tried another question. I just wanted
to make sure.

“Why are you asking me this now?” He asked worriedly.

“Just answer the question Charlie.” I closed my eyes. And waited for the
answer I knew will never come.

“I don’t know Bella. I … I found you in a hospital.” He lied.

“We were never admitted to a hospital Charlie.” I blew his cover.

Was it possible that he has been lying to us all these years? Was it
possible that he used me and my mother to get what he wants, whatever
that is?

“Of course you were, I found-”

“Stop lying Charlie.” I didn’t shout, I just said plainly. Monotonously.

He went silent.

“Why?” I asked simply.

“Why what?” He was prolonging the inevitable.

“Why did you lie? Why did you deceive us? Used us?” I was getting
angrier by the second.

“I …” He didn’t know what to say.

“Goodbye Charlie.” I said emotionlessly.

“NO! Don’t leave me here. Please!” His voice was panicked.

“Oh don’t worry. I won’t leave you alone. I won’t leave you alive.” I
can’t let someone as horrible as Charlie walk this earth. I can’t let
someone as cruel as him live long enough to hurt someone else. He hurt
us enough. He caused enough pain to an enough amount of people.

“What?” he asked in horror. But I didn’t answer him.

I focused on him and started turning him into nothing. His screams lashed
at me from all sides, but I ignored them. I just focused. He couldn’t live
anymore. He had to die. This way, I was avenging Edward’s family, my
mother’s broken heart, and my own broken heart all at once.

Once I was finished I walked out of the room. I was numb. I’ve killed
three people today. I’ve killed three people in one day. Sure, they
deserved to die, but … I killed three people in one day. This was too
much to process.

Before I analyzed what just happened I heard someone call my name.

“Bella?!” I heard my sister’s voice calling me. My sister? Kayla was

here?

“Kayla??” I asked in eagerness. Where was she? I looked around me

hastily.

“Bella? Where are you?” She called again. Her voice was getting closer.

I walked in the direction of her voice. It didn’t take long for me to find
her. She was such a mess. Her clothes were messy. Her face was set on a
miserable expression. Her eyes were black, coal black. She didn’t hunt
for quite some time.

But I didn’t care what she looked like, I didn’t care if she was messy, I
don’t care if her clothes were torn apart. All I cared about is that she was
here. She was right there in front of me.

“Bella.” She breathed my name. She was relieved. So was I. I missed her
terribly.

I ran to her and hugged her tightly. She cried as she held me.

“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you.” Kayla never actually believed in
god, I guess she sorts of does now. It was so good to hear her voice, let
alone her serene thoughts.

“I missed you so much.” She said through her sobs.

“I missed you too sis.” I laughed as I realized that it was all over.
Edward!

“You need to hunt first.” She told me. She must have seen me go to him.

“Okay. I’ll hunt anything.” I ran with my sister till we reached the door
that led out. I opened it quickly and got out.

I took a deep breath, breathing in the fresh air. While I enjoyed the fresh
air, I smelt an elk in the distance. My nose wrinkled in disgust. I hate elk.

“You have to settle with the elk if you want to see Edward faster.” Kayla
told me.

I huffed and ran to where the elks gathered. I attacked two, snapping both
their heads in the process. They didn’t need to suffer as I drank them dry.
Now I know how that feels like.

I finished drinking them quickly. I told Kayla that I was heading back to
the warehouse. I needed Edward. She nodded and smiled.

I ran as fast as I can to where Edward was.

I heard Carlisle speaking. That must be where Edward is. “Jacob could
you please go and get-”

“EDWARD!” I called out loud, and ran into the warehouse.

I saw Jacob and Carlisle both crouched over someone who was lying on
the floor.

“Bella.” Who was that? I didn’t recognize the voice. I moved forward to
get a better view.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. A sob escaped my lips as I saw my Edward

lying on the floor almost lifeless. He wasn’t moving. He couldn’t move.
His face was white, ghostly white. His skin was cracked. And when he
opened his eyes, it was like he opened a tomb. I was looking in a grave.

“Edward?” I couldn’t believe that Edward, my Edward, was the man who
was lying motionless on the floor. So motionless that he counted as one
of the dead. I pulled myself together and walked to him. “I’m here.” I
assured him.
I kneeled beside him. I gently, carefully, held his hand; afraid that if I
touched it, it would crumble into ashes. I softly kissed his forehead.

“You’re going to be okay.” I whispered to him, though I was trying to

convince myself more than I tried to convince him. I looked at Carlisle
for confirmation, and he nodded.

I was somewhat relieved. But the rage inside of me was going to take
years for it to calm.

He inclined his head a little so he could look at my face, the corner of his
mouth twitched as he reached for my face. I held his hand against my
face. I missed his gentle touch.

His almost-smile was replaced by a confused expression. “What are you

doing here?”

What did he mean by that question? Did he want me to go? Did he still
hate me? “You want me to … go?” I feared that my voice would break,
so I settled on whispering.

“No. Never.” I was relieved by his answer. “I meant what are you doing
here? Why are you here? How did you find me?”

Oh, damn, he didn’t know. He would flip if I told him, and this won’t be
good for his health, not in his current state. But I had to tell him. I had to
tell him the truth.

“I … I was taken too.” I said slowly, so he would process everything I

said. “I was looking for you in the forest, but then Hillary found me …” I
trailed off once I saw his face. Outrage would be an understatement.

He suddenly grimaced. “You were screaming. I heard you.” His voice

broke.

Now I had to explain the way the girl tortured me and him, will, I’ll tell
him Carlisle’s theory. “Yeah, the girl you attacked had a gift of
consuming the blood in you. She sort of dries the blood, or evaporates it.
I think she could dry venom, too. So, mainly, she dehydrates the body.
It’s like she drinks you dry, only remotely.” I winced at the memory.
Edward looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. He slowly closed
his eyes and leaned into me. As if he wanted to sleep, I smiled at his
peaceful form.

“Edward?” Carlisle called from outside. He had a cup in his hands.

“What?” Edward nearly whined like a little child. I chuckled quietly.

“I need you to drink this.” Carlisle walked to where we stayed.

“What is that?” Edward looked at the cup skeptically then sniffed,

checking if it was blood or something else. He looked a little concerned,
or maybe disbelieving?

“That’s animal’s blood Edward, Emmett brought it for you. Jasper, Alice,
and Rosalie are on their way with more.” I saw that look in Edward’s
eyes. The look of honor, love, and pride. He was proud of his siblings.

I helped him set up; he looked so weak, so ... fragile, and vulnerable. It
just killed me. Carlisle put the straw in the cup and lowered it to Edward
so he would take it.

Edward chuckled weakly. “Where’s the small umbrella?” He asked

jokingly. I laughed against my will, but so did everyone. He was trying to
break the ice. Always thinking about others before himself.

He slowly took the cup from Carlisle. I don’t know if it was out of
weakness, or out of carefulness. But then he put the straw in between his
cracked lips a sipped a small bit. But then he took a big pull after it and
moaned. I was tearing up inside. He was in so much pain, and he was too
weak. And this is all because of me. He decided to try and get up, but he
was still not strong enough to stand up. So he stayed on the floor.

Edward looked at me for a moment, but then something outside caught

his attention. It must be Jazz and Alice. “Edward?” sure enough, it was
jazz who called.

“In here Jazz.” His voice was too weak, but Jasper heard him.

“Hey bro.” Jasper walked in with a grin on his face – relieved that his
brother is alive – but his grin was wiped off the moment he saw his
brother’s bad condition.
“Hey man. How are you holding up?” Jasper tried to hide his hurt; it
almost pained him to see Edward like this as much as it pained me.

“I’m hanging in there.” Edward laughed weakly. He was getting a bit

better. But he wasn’t strong enough yet.

His eyes zeroed on the cup that jasper held. It was a better type than the
one Emmett got.

“Your personal favorite.” Jasper smiled as he handed the cup to Edward.

Edward smelt the blood; he smiled as he identified the mountain lions

blood. He didn’t wait; he just gulped it down in no time. He just finished
drinking his cup when he set it down and got up and walked to Alice,
who was horror struck by the way Edward looked.

He walked to her unevenly and opened his arms; welcoming her into an
embrace. She was hesitant. “It’s okay Alice.” He assured her.

She cried as she ran into her brother’s arms. “I’m sorry Edward, I’m so
sorry.” She apologized to him for an unknown reason. I looked at Jasper;
he was frowning in confusion as well.

“Why are you apologizing?” no one knew why she was apologizing. She
didn’t have anything to apologize for as far as I know.

“If I saw this just a few minutes before it happened, this wouldn’t have
happened. I’m sorry.” She apologized again.

She couldn’t be serious.

Edward shook his head before she finished talking nonsense. “Don’t be.
You did your best Ali, you saved me.” He touched her cheeks lightly.
“You don’t need to apologize. There’s nothing to apologize for.” He
really loved his sister. And she loved him.

She smiled sadly and then threw her arms around him. “I’m so glad
you’re okay.” She mumbled happily. Then they started walking out of the
warehouse.

When Edward stepped out, he unconsciously tilted his head back and
enjoyed the open air.
“I’ll go get the car, Jasper come with me.” Alice announced suddenly,
towing Jasper behind her.

“I’ll call Esme.” Carlisle took out his cell phone and dialed her number as
he walked.

“I’ll … go and tell the pack that we found you guys.” Jacob looked at me
once before he ran to join his pack.

They all wanted to give us some privacy. Edward and I. Alone.

Edward took a deep breath then turned around slowly to face me. He
smiled and stepped forward.

I stepped back. I needed to tell him what happened. “Edward, I …” but I

couldn’t bring myself to tell him what I did.

“What is it Bella?” He was very worried now. I was just gonna lay it out
there, and let the chips fall where they may.

“I killed Charlie.” I declared, my eyes never leaving the floor.

“He told me everything, he never really loved my mother, and he was a

complete liar. He wasn’t the one who changed me and mom. It was
someone else. I don’t know who. Neither Renee nor I knew who changed
us. We can’t remember. So he used this blind spot against us. I thought he
… changed. I never thought that he could do this.” How could I have
believed him? He was such a liar that it was too obvious. But I believed
him like a fool.

“Bella I-” he was about to say something but I interrupted him.

“I should have believed you.” I was so ashamed I couldn’t even look him
in the eye. “I never should have trusted him. I should have known.” It
was true. It was so true. I was such an idiot.

He crossed the empty distance between us in three long strides, took my

face in his hands gently, and looked right into my eyes. “There’s nothing
in this world that could make me stop loving you. Not Charlie, not
anyone, not even death.” I stared at him in disbelief. Did he just tell me
that he loved me? Did he just forgive me? “I love you. I always loved
you, and I always will love you.”
I wasn’t going to waste that moment, if he was going to change his mind,
then I had to make the best out of this moment. So I threw my arms
around him and kissed him with all the passion that I had in stored for
him. He didn’t respond for a moment, but then he caught up to what was
going on and kissed me back. This kiss was intense, meaningful. The few
drops of rain brought me back from the perfect dream that I was living
right now into the real world. I had to say something before we get
carried away. So I broke the kiss, took his face between my hands, and
looked straight through his eyes.

“I love you. Always.” I told him sincerely. I really hoped that he believed
me. Because right now, that’s all that mattered to me.

He stared at me in wonder, and then his eyes sort of glazed over. He was
thinking of something.

“What are you thinking so deeply about?” I was curious enough to

expand my shield over him to find out. I know it was a bit impolite, but I
was curious.

He was thinking about the human. Jackson was his name, he worried
about him. He was hiding something. I could tell, but I ignored it. I didn’t
want to push him. He’ll tell me when he’s ready.

“He’s safe. Sam took him back home. He explained to him what we were.
He made an oath that he would never tell a soul. Maggie was sure of his
honesty, so they let him go. He told me to tell you that he really
appreciates your help, and that he’ll never forget your strong stand by
him.” I assured him. He smiled slyly. He didn’t like to have all the credit.
“You saved his life.” I was proud of him. I gently stroked his face. I loved
him for his kindness, for his modesty, for his love, but most of all, I loved
him for his beliefs. He held on to them for dear life, and it worked. He
has a will of steal, a heart of gold, and soul that could heal the entire
humanity from all evil.

He leaned down and kissed me sweetly, this was a different kind of kiss.
This was a kiss of pure love. Just love. It was brief, but very delightful.
“Let’s hunt.” He announced suddenly. He was smiling my favorite
crooked smile. He was in a good mood. I grinned widely as we ran into
the forest to hunt.
We hunted for hours non-stop. I was thirsty, he was parched. It took him
a few mountain lions and a couple of grizzlies to return his eyes to
moderate dark golden-brown-colored eyes. I was full, so I watched him
hunt. He was so thirsty. I guess it’s a good thing it’s hunting season.

Edward noticed me staring at him, so he dropped the body of the dead

lion and asked me. “What?”

His clothes were tattered, but he still managed to look sexy. “Nothing.” I
tried to hide my smile, but failed.

He walked to me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and asked me

while kissing my neck. “What are you staring at?”

“I wasn’t staring. I was just watching you hunt.” I tried to sound

convincing, but, again, I failed.

“Mmhmm.” He pretended to buy it. Or maybe he was too busy kissing

my neck, jaw line, and my lips to care.

It was soft and sweet in the beginning, but then it picked up the pace. It
became much more fervent in a matter of seconds. I knew exactly where
this was going. We were going to repeat our first day together again. I
didn’t mind in the slightest.

And so we relived our dream together in our little heaven.

This was our true beginning.

Chapter 11

The Volturi

(Alice) POV: