A BITE IS ALL IT TAKES

IMPORTANT A/N

A/N: This is my own take on animal drinker vampires. Drinking animal blood makes vamp's smell differently than blood drinkers, like their eyes are different, their smell is too. Plus, as you'll come to find out I've taken a lot more liberties at SM's beautiful characters and storyline. But, it's still a fun read! (I hope ;) --thanks for finding my story! ENJOY!

Forks; the next stop on me and Charlie's list of sunless places to live. We pulled into the driveway of the two story white house that we would spend the next ten years at. When the car shut off we both slowly reached for the door handle, opened it, placed one foot on the ground, then the other, stood, and on and on. Human pace is extremely tedious, but it's worth it. I enjoy being around humans. Our kind don't go off in groups, and I enjoy the interaction of others, so I choose to deny what I really am and befriend humans. I don't want to hurt them. I don't want to be the enemy.

"Ready kiddo?"

"Yeah Dad." I said, ready to keep up appearances already. We grabbed our bags from the trunk, walked towards the door and stepped inside. It was old and musty with a heavy air of dust, but we could make it livable in no time at all. I walked up to what was going to be my bedroom and looked around: pale lilac walls, a lumpy mattress on springs, an old wooden desk. I inched over to the window and saw it was painted over. I peered through the tattered curtains and could see no one. I placed my hands on either side of the window and pulled it open easily. I let the fresh air swirl into the stale room bringing with it the scent of wildflowers, evergreen trees, grasses, and bark.

I heard Charlie get off the phone downstairs, and then he spoke in a conversational tone. "Bella you are all set for starting out seventeen again. You are now officially a junior at Forks High."

I sighed. Classes. I could teach every single class that a high school could offer, but I have to keep up appearances, so I endure.

We closed the blinds and took all day fixing up the house. With the list of projects we had, I thought even with our speed we might have had a hard time finishing, but we did. After all was completed I thought it was time to go satisfy my thirst if I was going to be around humans all day tomorrow.

I slipped through the back door and out to the forest. I took off at incredible speeds. The sights and sounds and smells of this new place were exhilarating. I could see every detail even in the darkness of the cloudy night sky.

As I raced by I saw the pictures from an owl's thoughts and heard the fear of the mouse on the ground. A raccoon was relaying images of the sweet berries she was eating. A bat flew overhead, and I saw the edges of his echolocation buzzing off of the surroundings in my mind. Then I heard what I was searching for.

Thirst. Thirst. Hunger. Thirst.

I sped the hundred yards and came close. I peered out over the brush and gazed at my prey, three white tailed deer.

Hunger. Thirst. One's head shot up from the ground. Danger! They scattered, but faster than they could retreat they were laying on top of one another, their necks broken. I stood over them and began to drink.

My thirst was conquered, and I was feeling a little adventurous, so I decided to survey the land. I ran zigzags all over mapping the area within my memory, but I kept passing an indescribable canine smell. It didn't seem a temptation thirst-wise, but it did hint of human. It wasn't a bad smell, more interesting and peculiar, like canine and the woods. It was like no other fragrance I'd ever encountered.

After I'd hit it for the sixth time I could hold out my curiosity no more and began to follow it. It went in circles all around the valley. It didn't seem to have a particular destination. Suddenly the circles stopped and the scent turned a sharp left. I followed it for three and a half minutes before I started hearing voices.

I stopped quickly and sniffed at the air. Had I been so focused on the smell that I walked right into humans? I shook my head to myself. No, I smelled no humans, just the canine scent.

Quil and Paul you will be on patrol 12 to 3, Jake and Embry 3 to 6, Jared and I will take 9 to 12.

OH MAN! Why do you always get the early shifts!? We all have school too!

Because I get to decide and Jared and I are Seniors; we have an extra workload.

I stepped towards the cliff face that I was now standing on and lay down against it. I peered over and saw a pack of large wolves at the base. Wolves? Animals? But they have such coherent thoughts! I'm used to hearing animals say single words, but more often they just show pictures. How can these wolves communicate so clearly?

I let my mind open. Hello there. The wolves' heads all shot up high and darted back and forth checking their surroundings. Voices ran on top of each other.

Who's there?

Oh man someone else phased!

It's a chick!?

I sure hope she's hot!

QUIET! The other thoughts silenced. Hello. My name is Sam. I am the leader of this pack. Who might you be?

I'm Bella.

The other voices started up again.

I don't know a Bella. Do you know a Bella?

She doesn't sound scared.

We have a girl to deal with now?

A low growl sounded. Welcome Bella. You are the newest member to our pack. The legends our fathers have told us are true. We are werewolves and now you are one too.

I gasped audibly and the wolves turned their heads up towards me. I slid quickly back from the edge and closed my mind. Werewolves? As in KILL vampire werewolves? Oh no!

I heard her on the ledge!

Let's go find her!

Can anyone hear her?

She must have phased back already!

This way!

I started hearing their footfalls headed up the path and took off the opposite direction. I would have to make it to the water. I ran, but could tell their speed was faster. The calculation would put them just missing me by feet as I jumped into the ocean.

She phased back!

She's running.

Whoa! She is speedy!

What's her smell? It's strange.

She must not be a werewolf.

Then what is she?

Be quiet and keep after her!

I heard their panting now as they came closer and closer but I could see the glistening water through the tree line. I raced out and dove into the water as I heard their steps clatter the pebbles of the beach. I sunk down into the water and swam a ways out to the sea. I stilled myself and waited for them to leave.

She's gone. We'll want to keep patrol up if there is this new creature on our land. Make sure she's not dangerous. You four go home and get some rest before you need to take over.

I think she's still there. A deep husky voice cut in.

Why do you think that? We can't hear her thoughts anymore.

I don't know, I think I can still feel her there. I'd like to stay here and wait if that's okay.

Are you sure?

Yes. I want to.

Okay, well the rest of you scatter. Jacob you can stay as long as you want, but you will be at school tomorrow.

Yes, sir. Thanks Sam.

Footfall echoed through the water and all that was left was the one they called Jacob. He started calling out.

Bella are you still here? He waited.

Can you hear me? He asked.

He sighed. I'm not crazy, I can tell you're still there and I'm going to wait until you come out. He laid down on the beach and waited. I should have just swam out to sea or even just circled around and came out somewhere else but I couldn't seem to move from my spot. There was something holding me to the spot, listening impatiently for my mind to be filled with his voice again.

He started rambling about his family and schoolwork, but after a few minutes he stopped trying purposefully to talk to me and his thoughts starting working on a car in his garage. I smiled as I could see how passionate he was about it. I had to stay. I had to listen. It wasn't a choice.

After about an hour of his thoughts mindless entertaining wanderings he started to sing. His wolf body hummed as his deep voice filled my mind with a beautiful song. I started to hang onto every word. I let it fill me as a silent chorus straight to my heart. I closed my eyes and let his deep musical voice surround me.

When his song was finished I could hold my silence no longer. I needed to speak. I opened my thoughts. That was very beautiful Jacob.

Bella? Is that you? I knew it! I knew you had to have stuck around!

I did.

Wow, okay, well….will you come out then?

I hesitated. I was still a vampire and he was still a werewolf. I don't know Jacob. I don't think you'll like me.

Bella, I already like you. I stayed here for over an hour waiting for you to talk to me.

I stood from my position and could hear that Jacob did to. I started walking to the shore and came just so that my head and shoulders came above the water. I looked at his wolf form more closely and could see his was the beautiful dark russet colored. His face turned into a wolfie smile.

Hi.

Come on out. You don't have to be shy. I won't hurt you.

I closed my mind quickly. He doesn't know what I am. He may do more than hurt me when he finds out. I bit my lip and looked down at the small waves splashing around me.

It's okay. You can come out. Please?

I looked up cautiously and walked further out. When I finally got steps away from the shore and very nervously close to him his eyes widened largely. I flinched as he must have gotten a good glance at what I really was.

WHOA BABY! Look at those curves!

I tensed as I heard his thoughts. I was semi-embarrassed that he thought those things, but semi-grateful he didn't tear me to shreds. He caught my posture change and apologized.

Uuuhhhh, sorry. I'll go phase. Will you stick around?

I nodded and he bounded towards the trees. He emerged a minute later and I was completely stunned. He was gorgeous. His skin was a deep rich russet tone. His hair was dark and cut just above his ears. He was wearing only cutoff jeans hung low on his hips. He had broad heavy shoulders and chiseled abs. His chest was tone and the muscles carried over into his thick arms. I stopped my detailed description when I started hearing his of me. His thoughts? I was hearing a human's thoughts? I have never been able to do that before. I let the thought pass and listened.

Wow, she is beautiful!! Her body is hot! And that water dripping off of it!? Whoa baby! Long chestnut hair, deep…he squinted…golden eyes. Man! Those are so, oh so amazing. What a pull she has. Wait! What am I feeling? Is this an imprint? No…no…this can't be an imprint, but it's strong. It's got to be some kind of gravity. I need her to be mine. I let the edges of my lips turn up into a small smile. Whoa, she has a beautiful smile. Nice full lips. Mmmm…Kissable neck. Wow, her shirt is totally clinging to her chest. Niiice chest girl…. Hmmm, glad she can't hear this! Wow that would be embarrassing! His eyes left my frame and went to his feet. I grinned. Does he not think I can hear him?

"So, uh, can I give you a ride home?" He asked putting a hand behind his neck and rubbing.

"I can find my way."

"I could take you to my house and get you some dry clothes or at least a towel?" I won't take no for an answer. I'll follow her home if I need to.

He was going to be persistent then? I guess he could follow my scent well enough. But then there was that part of me that maybe didn't want to leave him. I wanted to be around him. I took in a deep unneeded breath, "a towel might be nice."

YYEEEESSSSSS!!!!! "Uh, okay, cool. It's this way if you want." I walked completely out of the water and came up close to him. He put his hand against my back to guide me. I flinched at the hotness like a fire. "Whoa! You are freezing. You sure you going to be okay without dry clothes?"

"I should be okay."

We walked towards a worn but lovely red wood house. He showed me in and took off for a minute and came back with a towel. "Here you are." I dabbed around my hair and wet clothes. "So can I take you home then? It gives me a chance to show you that car I was telling you about."

I let a small laugh escape my lips. "Sure. I'd love to see it." Not really, but he was prepared to be annoyingly persistent, so I went along with it.

He led me out back to a large shed like garage filled with tools and mechanical parts. He showed me a nice blue and orange Volkswagen. "Here she is. The Rabbit."

One good thing about being a vampire is the picture perfect memory. This might earn me some brownie points, "1986 Volkswagen?"

His smile faltered. The chick knows cars!?! JACKPOT! His smile returned brighter than before and he nodded.

"It's beautiful."

"Built it myself," he said proudly.

I looked over into his dark brown eyes and batted my eyelashes. "It's amazing. You really did a wonderful job." He beamed. "Are you really sure you want the seats to get wet though? I don't mind just running home."

His brow furrowed. "I don't mind taking you home either. If you're that worried about it you can sit on the towel, but really I don't mind. It's just water." Salt water. Doesn't matter though I can wash it out later.

I sighed. Clearly I was not getting out of here without a fight. But would a fight be what ensued if I was stuck in a car with him? Werewolves are very dangerous and unpredictable creatures. "I live in Forks, you sure you want to go all the way there and back just for me?"

He smiled widely and my unnecessary breathing caught. It was full and beautiful and a bright white contrast against his dark skin color. "Of course I will. Come on." He walked around the car and opened the passenger door. I walked past him and could feel the heat come off of him in waves. I sat into the seat and he closed the door.

He walked around and got into the driver's side. As the door closed the air in the cab was suddenly filled with his scent; a deep musky woods and earth and that canine smell. I tried not to smile when he was thinking about my fragrance as well. Paul was right, her smell is not werewolf. I wonder what she is? She ran at werewolf speed and breathed underwater for over an hour. He started the car and smiled over at me. "To Forks then?" I nodded. Smell is really sweet. Hmmm, like cotton candy. "So how come I've never seen you around before?"

"I just moved here today."

"Wow! Really? Well maybe you need someone to show you around then? I could totally take you out and show you the town."

I smiled. "You mean the diner and the grocery store?"

His laughter filled the cab. It was deep and resonating. "So you've had the tour already?"

I grinned and bit my lip.

A moment of pause stilled our conversation before he asked, "So if you're not a werewolf, what are you?"

I held my breath and stopped moving.

Oh crap, I shouldn't have asked that. "Um, you don't have to tell me."

I sighed and looked back and caught his glances from the road. "I would tell you, but I'm afraid you won't like it."

He reached over and placed his heated hand on mine. It was painfully hot but not unbearable. He seemed to flinch at the coolness, but made no verbal mention of it. "It doesn't matter what you are. You are you and I like you." Can she look past what I am though?

"I'm pretty sure you'll hate me after you find out," I muttered under my breath.

He squeezed my hand. "I promise it will be okay."

I tried to pull my hand back but he held onto it. I tried to pull back harder and he smiled and held tighter. I smiled back nervously, but the tension seemed lightened. I tried to pull away once more but couldn't. The hold he now had on me would have broken a human's hand.

He lifted an eyebrow. "You're pretty strong."

"But you're stronger," I said in a flirty tone. I relaxed my pull and looked back to the window letting my smile fall. Yes, he could hurt me.

He talked for a few minutes on random things about school and he started telling me what of his pack members were in what grades and a bit about each of them. I could tell I would need to avoid Paul with all my might. He asked me questions once in a while but I tried to answer very vaguely.

When we drove past the Welcome to Forks sign and I started pointing the way to my house. He pulled up front and put the car into park. He got out and walked around the car and opened the door for me. I stood and started to walk to the door when he stepped in front of me. "I really would like to show you around. Would you let me take you out?" Like a date?

I bit on my cheek. I wouldn't mind being around him more, but would it be safe? I looked up into his eyes and he lowered his head and looked at me like he was begging. Come on, come on…Please! As much as I wanted to, I couldn't say no. Werewolves sure do have that puppy dog face down. "Okay. Pick me up tomorrow after dinner."

He teased, "What, not going to be hungry?"

I rolled my eyes. "Fine, 6:00 whatever!" Ugh. I hating having to cough down (and up) human food. I sure am going through a lot to be around this boy.

SWEET!! "Sounds good. I'll see you then okay?" He stepped out of my way and let me pass to my door. "Hey, Bells?" I turned quickly at the use of the nickname that I don't think I've heard since I was human. "Have a good night."

"Thanks, you too." He smiled his large sunny smile and hopped in his car.

Bells. He called me Bells.