This has been sitting around on my computer for a while. Enjoy!
Stay Safe
Bella Swan may only be half-vampire, but her love and stubborn streak is stronger than anyone's. Will she be able to convince everyone that she's mature enough to know what she wants?
Prologue
Suddenly, I'm submerged in the steady topaz of his eyes. I'm not sure what we are or what I'm supposed to feel to make this right. I just know I want him near me and I can't think of anything else at all in my world. To me love is everything. It's our purpose, what separates us from other living things and gives us a right to a soul. Whether or not he feels as strongly as I do is irrelevant. I am not a child. I want to give the gift of my love.
Chapter 1: A Promise to Renee
My father had never trusted a single soul other than myself, and then, only sparingly. For him to leave me in the hands of these complete strangers, for an unidentified amount of time, astounded me. Of course, in a way, they were not strangers. Charlie had met two members of the family.
A few years ago, out late at night hunting, he had come across Alice and Jasper Cullen. He told me of their golden eyes, and said the young woman spoke of visions and future friendships. He said he trusted the seer, but her mate, Jasper, made him wary. He decided it best to put off formally meeting the rest of the family until I was grown.
Now I was grown, but our visit was not merely social.
Around an hour from the Cullen home, Charlie takes an exit for gas.
"I just need a human minute," I say as he turns off the car.
After sitting in this car for 12 hours straight, I'm not about to wait any longer. I dash straight into the small station, wrapping my coat around me in the frigid Alaskan air. I absolutely detest the cold.
In the bathroom mirror, I see my cheeks flushed red. My brown eyes are rimmed with moisture from the wind outside. I have goosebumps on my chest where my skin is exposed from my navy blue v-neck t-shirt. My thin black coat does nothing to keep me warm, and I make a mental note to do some shopping.
Sigh.
I notice my hair is out of control, and I pull it out of the bun, only to have the tie snap. Reluctantly, my wild hair comes down, and the tangled chestnut waves fall midway down my back.
When I get back to the car, Dad's got the heat turned all the way up for me.
"Winter's only just started here, what am I going to do?" I shiver as I tilt the vents towards me and rub my hands together.
"You would think having a vampire for a father you would be used to the cold," he chuckles as he pulls the car back out on the road.
"I don't think I'll ever be used to it," I mutter. Something dawns on me, "Do you think they'll even have heat in their house? They wouldn't have any use for it!"
"Bella, I'm sure they do. I spoke to Alice for a long time on the phone last week. They all work very hard to blend in to their community, their leader works at the hospital, and I'm sure he has a normal house with heat to keep up pretenses and pay bills like everyone else."
Last week, Charlie called the number he had received from Alice Cullen many years ago. He finally understood the message Alice had written above the cell phone number: For Safety.
A few minutes out from the house, I start running my fingers through my messy hair.
"No need to fuss about your hair, it's beautiful," he glances over at my face, "they're going to love you."
"Are you sure about that?" I know he seems confident in this family, but I am doubtful that a powerful coven is going to be willing to take in a teenage half-vampire with, if I'm honest, a stubborn attitude.
"I know it." He reassures me about this for the millionth time, and he still seems overly confident. But this time there's a catch in his voice. I feel he hasn't told me everything he knows about the Cullens.
I mean to ask him, but we are pulling into the driveway and I know all about vampire hearing.
The front door on the large, winding home swings open, and a small dark haired woman glides down the wrap-around porch steps. Charlie and I quickly step out of the truck.
She smiles cheerfully and when Charlie approaches her, she hugs him like they're best friends.
A tall blonde man appears behind her, resting his hand on her shoulder, as if to relax her.
"It's so wonderful to finally meet you Bella! I'm Alice," I move to stick out my hand in greeting but she's got me in a hug before I can blink.
"You've gotta be frozen!" She laughs and pulls me by the hand into the house. Charlie and the blonde man trail behind us and I look around at the large, and blissfully warm, entryway. Everything is dark wood and glass, and delicately beautiful. I smile as Alice begins introductions.
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet my friend Charlie, and his daughter Isabella!" She calls to the group standing in the foyer.
"I've told you all about each other, but this is our leader Carlisle and his wife Esme."
I smile at the warm, brunette woman as Charlie moves to shake Carlisle's hand.
"This is Rosalie and her husband Emmett," I smile at the intimidating, beautiful couple to my right.
"Jasper here is my husband, and Edward will be here in just a minute, we weren't sure about the exact time of your arrival, and he's hunting." I notice a lilt in her voice, like she might be fibbing.
We move to sit in their spacious living room, and I'm overwhelmed by how normal and homey this house feels.
"Can I get you something Bella? A drink? Something to eat?" She looks really excited to be offering me food, and I'm curious.
"You have food here?"
"Well, Esme goes to the store every week to lower suspicions about our eating habits. Normally she buys non-perishables we can donate later. This week I gave her a list of some things I had a feeling you might be inclined towards. How does hot cocoa sound?"
I smile at all her efforts, and not wanting to disappoint the grin on her face I say, "That sounds absolutely perfect. Thank you."
Her grin grows to new heights and as she dances off to what appears to be the kitchen she sings, "Oh Bella, we're going to be great friends!"
After a little small talk about the drive and weather, the back door slides open to reveal, what I presume to be, the missing Cullen. I notice his hair first, the curly, messy flop of red-gold-brown hair sticking up in all directions.
When I look to his honey gold eyes, they're trained directly on me, unwavering. I smile when I notice this and I observe his own lips turn up in a half-crooked smile.
"Ah, Edward," Carlisle calls, "This is Charlie and Isabella."
Charlie stands up to shake his hand, and he's looking very seriously at this Cullen in particular. Their eyes meet, and Charlie does not blink, "nice to meet you, Edward."
"And you as well, sir." Sir? Why is Edward calling my Dad sir? For all I know Edward's way older than Charlie. Charlie accepts the greeting by nodding once like a strict father. I want to laugh at how strange he is being.
Many eyes shift to me as Edward approaches, his sweet scent intoxicating.
I feel nervous, like there's a tension in the room.
"Isabella, welcome," he says simply.
"Please, it's Bella," I smile.
"Bella," he whispers.
He takes my now outstretched hand and I feel something shoot between where our hands connect. I don't want to let go of his cool hand, but Alice walks over and hands me the cocoa.
"Thank you, Alice." I say, and after grabbing the mug I notice Edward's already across the room, eyes cast down.
There's a silence before Charlie clears his throat.
"I know on the phone Alice said you all were more than willing to do us this huge favor. I want to make sure you are all comfortable with having Bells here. Please, feel free to ask us anything."
Carlisle spoke, "Charlie, please do not worry. You are both already considered family, anyone who shares our diet is a friend and ally. Not one of us doesn't want you here, I can assure you."
I look around the room at the smiles on everyone's face and wonder how we could possibly be so lucky.
Carlisle continues, "I am curious, though, and I have many questions about Bella of course, but also the circumstances of your need to depart. What exactly did the correspondence say? Does your shield not protect you from ever being found by the Volturi?"
Charlie tells everyone about the letter we found about a month ago in an old dwelling of ours. It called for his swift arrival in Volterra, as our leaders wished to discuss his offspring. They suggested an arrival before the New Year, unless he wished Volterra to send a team to retrieve him and his daughter.
The message was clear. The Volturi were not happy Charlie wanted me a secret, and they wanted details to determine if I was any sort of threat.
"How did they find out about you, though? Your shield is clearly very strong. I cannot smell you or Bella at all from where you sit now."
"I can't see your future. Just a couple glimpses of Bella," Alice announces.
"I can't read either of your minds," Edward speaks for the first time in the conversation.
"It's really my fault," I say, heavy with guilt. Charlie explains how my gift is slightly different from his. How mine is malleable, that I can move it around people, and even lift it off myself.
"Dad warned me not to try and lift it off. I was stupid, and I swear I'll never do it again, but I tried it a few times over the last few months, and now they've got leads on us. Dad says they have highly powerful trackers."
I don't add why I'd been so curious to lift my shield, but I blush at the thought.
Since having my growth stop months ago, I became curious about finding a partner, a mate. I knew I was a half-breed and probably wouldn't find someone the same way vampires like my Dad did—that all-consuming electricity and passion that happens when mates meet. He says my human mother, Renee, felt similarly when they met, but I'm still not sure it'll be like that for me. I thought that, maybe, I'd be more likely to experience that full draw and pull towards my mate with my shield down.
My meeting with Edward flashes through my mind. What if…
My blush grows impossibly deeper, and I feel the heat of someone's eyes on me. Edward's looking at me from his spot way across the spacious room. I certainly feel something towards him, and my shield is wrapped around me tight and secure. I'm thinking maybe if I pull him under the shield I might be able to get a better idea…but quickly decide against it when I realize he might then be able to read my mind. Best not to let him know what way my thoughts have turned…though the ever-growing blush has to be a clue.
The conversation around us flows into some details about the research my dad did into others like me, my age, talent, and human mother, Renee.
I'm pulled out of my thoughts when the conversation turns towards my mom's untimely passing after my birth. I take Charlie's hand in mine, and he smiles at me weakly.
"Bella's my whole world and her mother's spitting image," he says as he kisses my head.
I lean my head on his shoulder. He talks about our early life together, constantly moving, trying to avoid being noticed and staying as hidden as possible.
The long drive and warm cocoa start making their effect known after an hour of talk and I suppress a yawn under my hand.
"Oh my, dear, of course you must be exhausted," Esme says, and I sit up trying to look awake.
"Really it's okay. I'm used to vampire time," I laugh.
"Your father says you can sleep as much as a human when you get the chance," Alice adds, "Come on, Bella, I'll show you your room."
"My room?" I ask. I have a room?
"Of course, silly Bella, I may not see your personal future, but I certainly saw the need for a room with a bed."
I look to Charlie and he nods his head, telling me to go.
Alice somehow has my duffle bag and backpack from the car in her arms and manages to drag me to the stairs within a few seconds.
"Well, uh goodnight everyone," I say. A chorus of goodnights follows me up the stairs.
"So, are you sending the rest of your things later?" Alice asks as she leads me up to the third floor.
"No, this is it."
"Oh, okay." Alice says, seemingly disappointed, "Well, this here will be your room."
We are on the top floor of the house.
"The first door over there is mine and Jasper's. The room across is a bit of an expanded closet and my sewing room. And right here on your left is Edward's room. The second floor, right below us, has Emmett and Rosalie's room, Esme and Carlisle's room, Carlisle's study and Esme's art room. I'll show you the rest of the house tomorrow."
Alice leads the way into a blue and white room. There's a queen bed in the center, the bed a mess of blue blankets and pillows, and a soft, warm white comforter. Directly in front of the bed is a wall of windows looking out into the forest and icy lake beyond. The view is breathtaking.
On the right hand side are two doors, and Alice tells me one is my bathroom, the other a closet which she says is filled with some things I might need for the Alaskan winter temperatures. There's a large wooden desk, a full-length mirror and dresser, and an inviting armchair off to the left side next to an empty bookcase and a gas fireplace.
It's exactly the room I'd always dreamed of.
"Thank you, really. It's so beautiful."
"If you need anything just say the word." Alice creaks open what appears to be a massive, walk-in closet and places my bags inside.
"Have a goodnight, Bella. Welcome to the family."
I wanted to see what lie in the massive closet and maybe take a shower after the long day, but as soon as I sat on the bed, I knew I would be out in seconds.
I woke to soft foot steps, as quiet as vampires who didn't want to be heard. When I sat up I saw Alice peaking in from the door.
"Morning sleepy! I wasn't sure what you wanted for breakfast? Your dad's out with everyone checking out the hunting."
"Oh, uh hi Alice." I was above the comforter so I easily slipped out of the bed, "Eggs would be good. Let me just take a shower, then I can fix it myself."
"Nonsense! I've been waiting to cook for someone! I'll make more cocoa for you too!"
I laughed at her enthusiasm as she bounced away from my room. It will be interesting living with her. I stepped into the closet to grab a change of clothes from my duffle bag when I noticed that Alice had not merely put some coats and gloves in this closet. It was absolutely filled to the brim. There was an island in the center of the spacious room, with accessories on top and drawers with who knows what beneath. The walls were lined with garment bags and dresses, high heeled shoes and boots, silk blouses, dress pants, and suits. I chanced opening a drawer and saw socks and undergarments that were astoundingly all my size. The drawer below contained jeans, and the one below that sweaters and expensive-seeming t-shirts. I grabbed some of the warmest materials and headed to the bathroom, shaking my head.
This family was so generous, inviting and thoughtful. I wanted to make sure they knew how much I appreciated all they were doing to keep a total stranger safe, happy and at home. In a way, it was kind of odd—but I guess it's true that animal-drinking vampire families were unique and should stick together.
The bathroom, like the closet, was beyond my imagination—an enormous tub, shower, and double vanity. When I stepped on the tile, I noticed it was heated.
After a quick shower with the fancy soaps Alice had left, I made a swift descent to the living room. I followed the sounds to Alice in the kitchen. She'd made a full breakfast spread and way too much cocoa.
Alice smiled as I walked in and I laughed as she swooped her hand in front of the spread.
I moved to hug her, "Really, thank you. You're doing way too much for me, I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
She clung to me tightly, and when I pulled away I saw her eyes rimmed with venom.
"You could start by learning how to properly use the closet!"
I looked down at my jeans, shirt and sweater and wondered if I did something wrong.
"Did I miss something?"
"Yes, the designers and the silk! Those drawers of regular clothes were put in per Rosalie's insistence that you might not be as crazy about fashion as me. But you can repay me by proving her wrong!"
I laughed at her pout and told her I'd make an effort if it made her happy. She told me she'd show me more about the closet before school started up again in two weeks.
Dad had mentioned to me that I'd need to start school like the rest of the Cullens did to keep up appearances. They were attending the local community college, and I was ecstatic to be in one place long enough to actually enroll in regular classes. I'd never been able to receive a formal education with all our moving around.
The food Alice made was amazing, and as she was asking me what the cocoa tasted like, the back door opened and the rest of the Cullens came in and took their seats at the dining table.
Dad kissed my head, "Morning, Bells. Sleep alright?"
"Yes, the bed was so comfortable. Thank you all so much, my room is beautiful. Esme, you have such good taste."
"Well thank you, Bella, we had so much fun decorating for you. I had a little help from Alice, even when she doesn't see the future, she's still great at predicting."
Dad asked me to take a walk outside, and I ran upstairs to find a long warm coat and gloves in my closet. Outside, we followed a small trail towards the lake.
"So, Bells, I know I said I'd be here a few days, but I spoke to the Cullens last night and if you're okay, I think it's best if I leave tonight. I'm not going to fly out near here, I'll drive the car back a ways, and then run to an airport probably somewhere in central Canada. I'd rather not have them trace the flight or car back close to you."
I thought I'd have a little more time with my dad. We'd never spent so much as an entire day apart in my whole life. Now, he was going to leave so suddenly, and I don't know when I'd see him again. When we first saw the letter I told my father it'd just be better if I came with him. He insisted I stay hidden away from the human-drinking leaders of our world in case they wanted to keep me for some unethical testing and prodding. He didn't want me as their guinea pig. In his discoveries and research he'd found evidence of other hybrids like me—though there were only two he could confirm, both male, and both from South America. I'd be the first female, and who knows what Aro might have in store.
His power kept his mind safe, but because mine was malleable he was afraid Aro would be able to read mine. He also wasn't sure how safe I'd be in their castle, considering blood still pulsed in my veins.
Charlie said that he'd answer all their questions about me and hopefully dissuade their curiosity by stating I was exactly similar to the two South American hybrids that they knew about already. I truly hoped his plan would work.
Tears escaped as my father detailed bank information, access to our cars and the storage units, which held our few possessions and some of mom's old things. He told me to be polite to the Cullens and not be too stubborn. He said it was okay to take my time letting them into my heart, but to be happy and not worry about him.
Time moves slowly for the Volturi, so although Charlie may be in a rush to head back from Italy, the leaders would take their time with him. He told me not to expect him, at the very least, before next year this time. If it's been more than a year he said he might try to send correspondence to our P.O. Box in Maine or Washington State, but not to check it unnecessarily often, for risk of being caught.
We moved back towards the house as my ears and toes began to feel numb. Charlie asked if I wanted to hunt, but I shook my head. I really only hunted when absolutely necessary (about once a month), I didn't enjoy it much and preferred the variety in human food.
Everyone was waiting in the living room for us, and Alice had the tea and fire ready for me.
I moved to sit next to her by the fire. She must have noticed the tears in my eyes, because she slung her arm around me. Esme came and sat next to me as well. I noticed the sad smiles on everyone's face as they looked at me.
Dad expressed his gratitude a thousand times and thanked them for their advice on his prompt departure to the Volturi. In what seemed like a few minutes he was standing up to leave. We hugged and he kissed the top of my head.
"Stay safe, Bells. It's the only thing your mother made me promise, and I could never bear to live if anything happened to you."
Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think.