The characters and their characteristics are all from the beautifully creative mind of Stephanie Meyer ... but this alternate universe & plot line are all mine. :) This is my first story on fan fiction.

Please review & comment ... Constructive criticism is totally welcomed.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 'New Beginnings' takes place circa New Moon timeline, but with a twist. Different events and revelations, change the course of the story we know and love. Bella & Edward made love before marriage. There's still a breakup, but the Cullens won't leave her. Bella won't be an only child for long, and there are more than Vampires and Shape Shifters in the quiet little town of Forks!

NEW BEGINNINGS

Prologue – Bella POV

After countless hours of walking, stumbling and searching for him, there I lay on the cold ground, somewhere deep in the forest. Because of my never-failing clumsiness being what it always was, I tripped somewhere in this endless forest and fell … a lot. But, after the realization actually set in, that he left me, I couldn't find it in me to get back up again. Countless hours passed as I just lay there, and all the while, I was recalling all that had lead up to this point.

*Memory*

I finally let Alice convince me to celebrate my 18th birthday weekend with The Cullens, since Charlie had to work that weekend. She had already gotten to him, and he agreed because she makes it impossible to refuse her. Alice and the family were planning a family dinner for me on Saturday. In her world, this meant I should stay over since Friday night, and partake in "Birthday-Girl Slumber Party Fest". She's gotten about a dozen chick flicks for us to watch. She may have overlooked that I would require sleep at some point, and probably would finish them all. She's also got a huge assortment of candy and even more snacks which would be impossible to consume... especially, since I'd be the only person actually eating any of it.

Esme and even Rosalie join us for a while. I truly felt like just one of the girls, regardless of the difference in our human status. I think even Rosalie defrosted a bit towards me, even if for a little while. I had never had a slumber party, and I knew I'd never fit in like I felt I did, with these women. Still, as the night wore on, I began to miss Edward.

Knowing he was there, in his home, but banished by Alice, just like the other men were for the slumber party, I kept wanting to see him and spend time with him. Alice must have noticed or had a vision that'd ask about seeing him, because she jumped up suddenly at the end of 13 Going On 30. I thought she was about to put in a new move, when she made an announcement that we were switching to "Bed Time with Our Favorite Person". We all smiled at what that meant, then she and Rosalie darted away in an instant. Esme stayed to hug me goodnight, and walked towards Carlisle's study, where I assumed he had been. Then, I went to the stairs and made my way towards bedroom.

Before I made it to the top of the stairs, Edward was there and he swooped me up into his arms. As he kissed me, I felt a slight breeze and opened my eyes to find myself already standing in his room, by a new bed in Edward's room.

"You bought a bed?" I questioned.

"It's a birthday present." he shrugged and answered. The look on his face though, gave me the impression that if he could blush, he would. "Is it okay?" he asked softly.

"It's great." I smiled, and thoughts of all we could do on this bed flooded my mind. Then, I felt bolder than ever. "You know, Edward, I didn't really ask you for a birthday present". I said, as the feelings stirring within me were turning me into some sort of harlot, but I just couldn't care.

He was looking into my eyes and noticed him inhale. His pupils widened and his eyes darkened. I might have been scared if he wasn't turning me on. "Very true. What should I do with the bed, if you don't want it?" and asked me and damn, if his voice wasn't the sexiest thing I've ever heard.

"I didn't say I didn't want it… just that I didn't ask for it" I reiterated.

"My mistake." he replied, pulling me closer as his hands tightened around my waist. There was no space between us and as my chest met his, I could feel my nipples harden against him. I could tell when felt them, because he slightly rubbed his chest against mine and growled. With his next statement, I knew I'd won. "What shall I get you for your birthday then? You only have to ask and it's yours".

"I want to put this bed to use… I want us to make love." I replied, and tightened my arms around his neck.

His passionate kiss engulfed me and I knew I'd never want to be in anyone else's arms for the rest of my life. His kisses, his touch, his body, his soul… he was giving them all to me and I was giving of myself to him.

The next morning, we were received with some snickers and jibes from Emmett, as well as not-so-secret smiles from the rest of the family. Luckily, Esme put an end to my suffering. Unfortunately, she did that by declaring it was Presents Time during brunch. I got beautiful stud earrings from Alice and Jasper. Emmett handed me a box and a jibe about being a cougar, because I was officially a year older than Edward. The box was empty, because it turned out the new car stereo had already been installed in my truck. I thanked him, and he told me Rosalie had been the one to install it. Surprised, I thanked her too. She didn't smile per say, but she nodded without malice. I'd take it, I decided with a smile. Next, Esme handed me an envelope. Curiously, I slid my finger under the flap to open it. OUCH, dammit, paper cut – were the thoughts that ran through my head.

Before I even registered that my finger was bleeding, I was startled by a loud menacing growl and I felt myself being pushed into something hard and I fell to the ground. I heard shattering glass falling around me and looked around to see I'd crashed into Esme's beautiful vases. I felt a painful sting and looked down to find a large piece of glass sticking out of my skin near my inner elbow, while blood was pouring down my forearm. I was feeling somewhat dazed at the sight of my blood, then the next thing I became aware of was loud thundering and crashing sounds going on around me and I looked up from my arm and it finally hit me.

I'm heavily bleeding in a house full of now ravenous vampires! - that thought paralyzed me.

Carlisle was almost instantly at my side, making me gasp at his speed and momentarily fear he'd hurt me, but he was holding a towel to my arm and trying to stop the bleeding. Rosalie was trying to hold Edward from hurting Jasper, who was being pulled tightly from behind by Emmett. Alice was standing between them, trying to calm Jasper and pushing him into Emmett's hold. Esme had a look of pure torture watching her children, while holding the kitchen door open, trying to let in some fresh air and urging Emmett to pull Jasper outside.

I realized that while I couldn't be sure with all the noise, but it seemed like they were having some kind of conversation but I couldn't make out anything. I looked back into Carlisle's face and saw a defeated look upon him and I asked if Jasper was going to be alright.

He smiled sadly at me and replied, "I think we're all more worried about you, right now".

He didn't say any more as everyone made their way outside and he worked to clean and sew the cut on my arm. Knowing I was in the best medical care, did very little to help diminish the new dread that started taking root inside me. I couldn't be sure why, but the feeling that this wouldn't just blow over, was very prominent. I just had to wait it out and hope things got back to a happy normal soon enough.

Had I ever been more right about a bad feeling, and yet so wrong to hope for normal?!

*End memory*

Eventually, I began to come out of whatever mind-warp his leaving sent me into. I started to notice things around me. Judging by the cold but rough dryness on my cheeks, the seemingly endless tears I'd been crying, finally dried or frozen on my face. If I had any energy, I'd roll my eyes at the thought of what I must look like. I couldn't be sure how long I'd been there but my body felt so numb. Not that cared much about that or anything else right then, but I didn't know if the numbness was from lying in the same position for so long or from the now very noticeably cold weather, because I was also trembling.

I probably should have been doing or thinking of some way to get back home, but I just couldn't make myself. The only thing going through my mind, as if on a loop was, 'He left me. He didn't want me. I'm not good enough for him. He's gone'.

x-x-x-x-x

Chapter 1: LOST & FOUND

Bella POV

x-x-x-x-x

Eventually, something other than the thoughts of him leaving, caught my attention. Aside from my shallow breathing, I began to hear crunching leaves and twigs snapping and I felt myself go rigid. I found myself both, hopeful that maybe he'd returned for me, and scared that he had not. Then something clicked and I began to fear that I might get attacked by some wild animal, especially because the ruffling noises were accompanied by a loud howl, which didn't sound too far away. I blinked open my eyes to look around but I couldn't see anything in all the darkness. Next, I thought how I'd probably die out here alone and I thought of Charlie. My poor father might not ever even find my body, and all because he- he- he left me...

That train of thought clouded my mind again and my eyes fell closed again for a while. Oddly, the next thing I became aware of, was movement. It didn't feel as if I were walking, per se, more like I was being carried. Judging by the speed I felt the wind hitting me, we must be moving pretty fast... very fast, my mind clarified. I slowly opened my eyes and I noticed two things. The first was that I was, in fact, being carried away somewhere. Secondly, I noticed that it was by someone I'd never met.

Ordinarily, I might have been extremely embarrassed about either of those facts. Strangely enough, as I tried to process what was happening, I came about two additional realizations. One, I was grateful to not still be laying on the cold forest floor alone and about to be killed by some wild animal. And two, I actually and weirdly, felt safe with this stranger. If for no other reason, the fact that he found me and got me away from whatever creature might have attacked me, I felt safe and grateful. I looked at the face of my rescuer and noticed he seemed so serious and worried, for someone so young. He didn't seem to know I was awake yet, and couldn't help the curiosity from taking over.

Before I even realized it, I heard myself, ask, "Who are you and where are you taking me?"

I must have startled him because he slowed his pace to a regular walk and looked down at me, in shock. Then, his eyes narrowed and he looked at me almost furiously.

"What were you thinking, going out into the forest alone? You've managed to scare m- your father … into a near heart attack!" He asked, or more like demanded.

His response was so unexpected and shocking to me. Whatever look he saw on my face, caused his facial expression to soften. Then, with a softer and genuine tone he said, "Charlie's had all of Forks looking for you for hours. I'm just glad you're awake now."

The new look on his face showed real concern. While still grateful, I also felt confused as to why I was still being held by this stranger. Either way, hearing Charlie's name brought up, I felt a wave of guilt for having put him through all this and I knew I'd need to apologize to him.

"Can you please take me to him?" I asked.

He nodded and softly asked, "I'm so glad I found you. What were you doing so deep in the forest alone, Bella?"

I honestly didn't know what to say. I didn't really register that he'd used my preferred name instead of Isabella, because I began to panic about the answer I would have to give everyone else who would be asking me that, soon enough.

"I- I- um, I-" I stuttered, trying to come up with something… anything... but nothing came.

"You don't have to answer me, Bella, but I want you to know that, although you don't know me, you really can trust me." He seemed genuine and harmless enough, but then again...

"I've heard that before." I mumbled to myself, doubting he would actually hear me.

Remembering him, I began feeling something else.

"Listen." I spoke up, "Whoever you are." since I still didn't know who this man was. "I'm not sure why I need to answer to you." I yelled at him.

Anger felt good and way better than sadness, and it helped me think clearer. It dawned on me, that he'd already called me 'Bella' twice now. He hadn't called me Isabella, which is what Charlie might have likely used with any professionals who would be searching for me. Besides, I still didn't know who the heck this mystery man-boy was, or why he was still carrying me through the woods.

"You've fetched me, Dog-Brain, now put me down!" I seethed at him. I felt a bit childish calling him names, but my fury didn't really allow me to care.

"I said - Put. Me. Down!" I yelled more forcefully, while trying to kick my legs. "How do you even know the name I go by?"

I was getting ready to continue my rant when he didn't immediately answer me, but his loud booming laughter completely caught me off guard, and stopped me. He stopped walking and bent slightly at the waist. He was shaking me with the heaviest laughter I'd ever witnessed and his behavior was seriously confusing and pissing me off.

"Easy there, Angry Kitten." he said between laughs, making me glare at him and curl my lip at the unwelcome knick-name.

Eventually, his cackling calmed. Then, with an amused and almost affectionate smile, his brown eyes met mine and said, "My name is Jared Inak and I'm with the Quileute Reservation Police Force. I've work with Charlie on many occasions too. I'll put you down when we get closer, but we're still pretty far."

I wanted to stay mad and ask him just who the hell he thought he was by calling me 'Kitten', but his smile made me realize he really didn't mean it in a bad way. Additionally, I did manage to remember Charlie mentioning him in the past. I reluctantly smiled and nodded at him, and he began walking again.

"Thank you, Jared." I whispered, then continued. "Thank you, so much, for finding me and bringing me back." He only nodded with a faraway look so I went on, "I guess he was right about you".

He abruptly stopped all movement at that and I was jolted by his unexpected stop. I looked up to question him and he was looking down at me with the most intense gaze.

"Charlie's mentioned me before?" He asked in such a small breathy whisper that I almost didn't hear him.

"Yes, I've heard of you before. Dad told me you're one of the best cops he's met." I responded, recalling what Charlie mentioned about Jared in passing, before continuing. "he was right, because you because you actually found me, even way out here. That helps me feel safe with you." I told him with a smile.

He absolutely beamed at my words, with what appeared to be a mixture of pride and happiness. Nothing else was said from either of us but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence at all, as he continued to walk us to safety.

During our quiet time, I was left to think and process yesterday and today's events. It hurt too deeply to remember last night with Ed- him. Then, I didn't want to think of the earlier aspects this afternoon or relive the way he left me this evening. Wanting to block all that out for now, it only left me to think of my rescuer.

Naturally, that led to noticing somethings. First, was the huge change in his current demeanor, compared to the angry vibe I had first gotten. He still hadn't put me down, and it didn't really bother me anymore, since we both seemed pretty content at the moment. Jared was so serene, protective and I felt safe and warm in his arms.

Warm - That word jumped out at me. I did feel warm now and I was surprised it took me so long to notice the change. How had I not picked up on this sooner? – I wondered. With his arms holding me around my back and under my knees, the previous numbing cold I felt was gone and replaced by… heat. Jared was hot and I wasn't thinking of looks either, although he was a nice looking guy. I mean, he was hot-hot, body temperature wise; almost fever like. Such a difference from 'their' kind - My inner voice noted.

Another difference, was that I noticed I could feel his heart beating softly and rhythmically in his chest. This confused me because I recalled his fast running earlier. All that running, and full on laughter earlier, and even all this walking would have certainly accelerated any human's heart rate. I also I imagined his breathing should be labored at least. Jared however, showed no signs of exhaustion or fatigue, what so ever. He just kept right on walking steadily, with me still in his arms, and completely at ease. How is that even possible, and without breaking into a sweat either? - My inner voice asked.

As my suspicions began to stir, I began to pick apart the differences about him. Aside from his body temperature, heart and breathing rate, the next thing I took notice of was his clothes. Shockingly, he was only wearing a faded white wife beater and what felt like denim shorts. How is he not freezing in that, let alone feel warm to me at all? – My mind questioned further.

I might have tried to chalk it all up to my distraught state of mind or maybe even claimed to be in shock, but there were too many differences. I've been far too exposed to the mythological world to let some things pass as mere coincidental oddities. Along with all those differences, I'd have to be a special kind of stupid, not to notice he was also extraordinarily strong. I mean, he's been carrying me all this time without showing any visible signs of muscle strain, like even a strong and ordinary human man would.

Human. That was another word that jumped out in my mind, or rather, un-human. Even though he visually did appear human, he was different. Aside from some similarities he shared with vampires, Jared was clearly different from them as well. He is too different; he must be something else entirely - I concluded to myself. I felt safe with him, but Ed- he had once told me I didn't have any self-preservation at all, so I decided to just go for it.

"So, not to kill your good mood or anything - and please don't take this the wrong way or anything - but I'd really like to know something. And, before you freak out, I promise I can keep a secret … really, really well." I stated calmly.

"Alright…" he looked at me curiously but I also detected a bit of hesitance. I noticed how he narrowed his eyes at me at the part about keeping secrets. He also held me a bit more protectively for a moment, I took that as another detail I'd add to my 'JARED' mental file.

"Um, I'm not sure how to ask you this but … What exactly are you?" I asked as casually nonchalantly as I could muster it.

I was hoping to be right about trusting him to hurt me. I figured, he could have easily killed me when he found me, if that's what he had wanted to do. I must have stunned him or something, because he slowed to a stop. While staring blankly ahead, he lowered his arms slowly, in an almost deflated and unconsciously manner.

Luckily and more gracefully than I've ever been, I managed to put my feet on the ground and stand upright, before landing on my behind. I would have gotten mad that he nearly dropped me, but I noticed the haunted and worried look on my young rescuer's face. I worried that I'd somehow managed to scare or upset him. I didn't understand how someone I'd made out to be a super-strong non-human being, could suddenly appear this way. It was almost as if he shut down.

A/N: Chapter one, down! I hope you like it (: