Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Twilight.

A/N

Okay, so this is my first fanfic ever. Hope you all like it and leave me some love.

Thanks to BlackHale for her awesome skills. xx

The bass pounded through the club of writhing, sweaty bodies, dancing on and around each other. The air smelled of smoke, booze, sweat and sex. Lights flared around the floor, fluorescent pinks, yellows and greens, masking the sin and debauchery oozing from the building.

Edward strolled passed the dance floor, towards the bar and ordered himself a shot of tequila. Alcohol didn't effect his system, but he needed to blend in with the humans. His kind had lived in secret for thousands of years. For all intent and purpose, vampires were myths, created by superstitious humans in the late 1600's. Now, they were used for Halloween costumes and gimmicks.

Edward kept his eye on the man he had followed in to 'La Belle', a nightclub infamous for drugs, sex and dodgy dealings.

The man was as tall as Edward, as many of them were. He had dark skin and long black hair. Dressed to kill, literally. The man donned a long black leather jacket, black leather pants and black boots. Surprisingly, however, the guy wore a bright blue shirt with a picture of 'Mr. Happy' on it. Odd that this one seemed to have somewhat of a sense of humour. 'Mr. Happy' was glancing around the club like a scared mouse, waiting for a predator to pounce.

Two other men approached him, dressed similarly and both as tall as the first. Edward smelled the air. Vampires definitely, but nomad's. He knew they were dangerous. He smelled the foul stench of dirt, old blood and fear. Most humans, although unaware that vampires were anything but myths, tended to avoid them. They didn't purposely bypass them, but knew instinctively that they were not, well, human.

The dark skinned vamp seemed to be getting angry and was flailing his arms around, gesturing wildly at his brother's who looked through his outburst. The blonde headed brother grabbed 'Mr. Happy's' shoulder and dragged him towards the back exit of the club.

Edward placed his glass back on the bar behind him and slowly moved towards the exit.

"Hey baby, you leaving? I was hoping you and I could spend some time together." A red headed woman, who was barely concealed by the mesh top and denim skirt said, stroking his arm, trying to pull him into a kiss.

He gently pushed her away, looking her dead in the eye. "You're not my type" he mumbled and started again towards the exit of the club.

Pushing the metal security door, leading to the alleyway, Edward reached out with his mind, trying to hear the retreating gang.

"No James, I swear I didn't. I lost him a few blocks away. He was definitely following me though. Do you think they know about us? About what we're doing?" Said Mr Happy.

Edward stalked the group, staying in the shadows. He realised the lackey he was previously following was this James guy's subordinate. He trailed after his master, head down in submission.

"If you're sure you lost him, Laurent, then we believe you" James replied calmly.

Mr. Happy, or Laurent, raised his head and smiled in appreciation. "Thank you James, I would never let you down, you know that"

James nodded and took out his mobile phone. He punched a few digits into the keypad and raised it to his ear.

"Victoria, have you completed your mission?" he barked down the phone.

Edwards heightened hearing picked up the reply as the other vampire spoke.

"Yes sir. They have been acquired and the ransom is being delivered as we speak. My sources report that the woman is not at her apartment so getting in and leaving the note shouldn't be too much of a problem" The woman replied, sickly sweet.

"Good girl" James grinned as he snapped the phone closed.

Edward took out his phone and snapped a few photos of the men. He didn't recognise them himself, but hoped his brothers could find some matches.

There was no point going after them tonight. Edward had no tangible proof, other than the phone call he witnessed, that they were nomad. They smelled nomad, but these things could be easy to fabricate.

Creeping back through the alley, away from the group, Edward sent the photos through to the lab. He also text Ben, the resident computer whiz, advising him to clean up the images and check them with the others.

All vampire covens were listed on his families 'most wanted' list. Any trouble and they were added in order to identify them, should other problems occur in the future. Factions of vampires were grouped together so that the Coven had access to all possible associates. Ben had created the system in the early nineties. Before then, files with fuzzy and out of focus pictures were used. There were three large rooms dedicated to them back at the base. The invention of the computer helped them immensely, not to mention the drag of moving the vast amount of paper whenever they had to find somewhere new to live.

Ben sent through a text saying he had received the files and would start working on them straight away. He congratulated Edward for a job well done, knowing it would piss him off. When the Coven was first initiated, Edward was the only member that would never gloat when a mission had been successfully completed. Once the group cottoned on to this they started congratulating each other on the most superficial things. They had started slapping themselves on back when they sat on the couch or answer the phone.

In order to survive, vampires had to drink blood. Most killed Humans, although a minority only fed from animals, like Edward and his 'family'.

Most vampires were taught about the Volturi by their sires. Even though the Volturi didn't think or teach that drinking animal blood was the way to live, they did make it clear that there were an array of willing humans, eager to oblige any Vampire needing blood. A vampire's bite releases a toxin into the blood, making the host's body alive with pleasure. Every vampire knew instinctively when to stop, before killing the participant.

Of course, not all vampires felt the need to stop. Some, like nomads, killed every time. They fed once every few days, and their victims were hardly ever willing, or lived to tell the tale.

As he neared the end of the alleyway, making his way towards the front of the club he smelled something sweet, and completely mouth watering. Peering around the wall, he saw a woman with long chestnut coloured hair. She was taking on her phone and was obviously frustrated and angry with whomever she was talking to.

He hid in the shadows once more, watching her silently. Her scent was intoxicating.

Strawberries and cream.

He also noticed how beautiful she was. He had never wanted blood so much. She was waving her hands around, tugging on her long, wavy hair, pacing up and down the pavement as she spoke to the deep voice on the other side of the line.

"I've told you this before, Mike. You and I are no longer an 'us'. We haven't been since Saturday. You have no right to call me and demand I get home." she hissed.

"I have every right Isabella. I love you. Your mine, whether you like it or not" the male voice shouted in reply.

"One last time Mike, I. Do. Not. Love. You. I never did and I never will! A two month relationship was all we had!" She spat down the phone.

"Get your ass home, right now Isabella" the voice replied with a chilling calmness.

"No. I'm out with friends. Leave me alone Mike, or I'll call the cops!" she shouted, hanging up and sitting on the pavement, burying her head in her hands.

Before the thought even crossed his mind, Edward was standing next to her. She looked up, sensing someone's presence. Her eyes were glassy and puffy from the tears that were streaming down her face. Her jaw slackened as she looked at him, her heart rate accelerating.

"Sorry, I don't mean to intrude but I overheard your fight and wondered if you were okay. Mind if I join you?" he asked gesturing to the pavement. She smiled softly and nodded at him. He sat down, facing straight ahead, afraid that if he glanced at her neck, he would do something he regretted.

"I don't know what I'm going to do" she muttered quietly, rubbing her hands together.

"Were you talking to a boyfriend?" Edward asked, knowing the answer.

"Ex, if you could even call him that. He's so possessive and jealous. Two of the many reason why our relationship was so brief." she replied, rubbing her fingers under her eyes to remove the moisture.

"He doesn't like that you're out huh?" Edward grinned.

God, this woman was amazing. To call her beautiful was a complete understatement. He couldn't think of an appropriate word for her. Her eyes were huge, doe-like and a deep chocolate colour. She wore a deep blue dress that plunged down her chest, showing the swell of her breasts. Edward had the sudden urge to ask what colour underwear she had on. He stopped himself, milliseconds before that thought could voice itself. How fucking embarrassing would that have been?

"No, he seems to think he has some sort of claim to me. I went on three dates with him, and only because his father works with mine. I was never attracted to him. I only went through with the dates because I felt sorry for him...and why am I telling you all this?" She finished with a chuckle.

Edward chuckled back. Her voice was mesmerising. Soft, gentle and lovely.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, with just the sound of their breathing and the bass from the club behind them. Edward's attention was pulled towards a young woman exiting the club, wondering where her friend had run off to. Evidentially Bella was the woman in question as Edward saw Bella and himself in her mind.

Jesus, just when I think she's too shy to get lucky in a club like this...the woman thought as she moved towards them.

"Bella?" Edward turned towards the female voice to his side. She was a slight woman, with shoulder length auburn hair. She smiled coyly at Bella.

"I'm sorry for interrupting, I thought you'd gone home." she smiled. "Are you okay?" she asked, noticing the puffiness of Bella's eyes.

Shit, has she been crying, Edward heard her think.

Edward was one of a minority within the vampire 'community' who possessed a gift. All vampire's possessed heightened senses; hearing, speed, strength, but few had unique talents. Edward could hear people's thoughts. It was usually highly annoying and thankfully, after many years of practice, he had mastered the art of blocking the mindless thoughts bombarding his brain.

Come to think about it, Edward realised he hadn't heard a thought of Bella's since he first saw her.

He opened his mind, trying to tune into her head. He heard her friends thoughts, and the thoughts of others mulling around them, but not Bella's. His eyebrows creased as he looked at her talking to her friend. She seemed intelligent enough when he had spoken to her, meaning there was at least a few thoughts floating about in there, but he heard absolutely nothing. It was extremely frustrating, but oddly comforting. He never contemplated that there could be someone who didn't voice their thoughts to him directly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name" He heard Bella say, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Edward." he stated quietly, glancing over at her friend who was smirking at him. What the hell was she smirking at?

"Would you like to come and join us of a drink Edward? I was just telling Kate that you sort of talked me down from the proverbial 'Mike' ledge." she giggled, making him grin.

"I would love to, but I need to go. Got lots of things to do tonight unfortunately" he replied, standing up and offering his hand to help her up as well.

She reached out as he captured her small hand, engulfing it in his. Electricity sparked and travelled up his arms and through his limbs. The current swam through his body, racing through his venomous veins and exploding in his groin. His cock swelled and strained against the zip of his jeans and he instantly had to fight the urge to jump Bella, here and now.

She must have felt the same spark as he did. She flinched away from his touch, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. Seconds later she raised her eyes to his, the brown colour radiating lust and desire and he caught her scent again, only stronger.

Her arousal, she was as aroused as him. Shit, he needed to leave, now!

He coughed into his fist and looked at her face once again. Her hands were gripping the side of her dress, her breath shallow and her heart was pounding.

"It was nice to have met you Bella." he said, nodding his head at her friend, and then her, smirking crookedly at her before turning and walking away. He needed to get back straight away, before he took this human into the alley and fucked the life out of her.

~~**~##~**~~

Bella stared at the retreating form of Edward. He had calmed her down and simultaneously turned her into a big pile of goo in literally 4 minutes.

After spending two months tied to Mike Newton's hip, she had decided to call her college friend, Kate and arrange a night out.

She had broken things up with Mike last week after he punched a waiter for smiling at her. She'd had enough. She liked to think that she was smart and independent; two things she could never be should she stay with Mike. Hence the break-up.

Mike was actually cool as a cucumber the night she told him it was over. He had looked shocked at first, which frankly shocked the shit out of her. Could he honestly have believed things were working? She hadn't kissed him and flinched away from him when he tried to hold her hand. What really surprised her was that he had grinned at her and told her she'd come running back when she realised they were made for each other; that she was his. Possessive prick!

Tonight's phone call was the last straw. Mike had called her a total of 22 times in the past 6 days, threatening and verbally violent. She shuddered at the memory of their time together and instantly stilled when her thoughts returned to Edward. She found herself wondering why he had approached her of all people. She realised that she was somewhat...pretty? But knowing that some of the women in that club were absolutely gorgeous, why would he speak to her? Okay, so he heard her having an argument with Mike, but still...

"Jesus Bella, they just fall at your feet huh? And there was me thinking you needed to get laid" Kate smirked, dragging Bella back to reality and back towards the club.

"Actually Kate, I think I'm done for the night" she said, pulling back her arm. Kate turned with a worried expression clouding her features.

"You sure sweetie? We haven't been out for more than 3 hours. There are plenty of eligible young men in there for you to pounce on" she whined.

"I'm sorry, I don't want to sound like a killjoy but I just want to go home and sleep. Please don't let me ruin your night. Go! Have fun and call me in the morning with all the naughty details" Bella smiled, slapping Kate's ass teasingly.

"Okay, if you're sure. I'll speak to you tomorrow. Be careful getting home" Kate replied, kissing Bella's cheek.

Bella walked towards the curb of taxi's and jumped into the back of the first. She relayed her address to the driver as he turned towards the steady stream of traffic.

Bella tried to think of anything other than Edward, even briefly pondering over Mike's new tactic to get her back, but her mind kept drifting to the beautiful stranger on the pavement.

Her attention kept shifting to Edward. His hair, completely wild, shiny bronze spikes sticking out at every angle. His eyes, full of expression and golden in colour. He was tall, 6" 3, maybe 4 she guessed and his body was lean, his muscles defined but not huge. His skin was pale, making his hair and eyes look more vibrant.

When he had helped her to stand she felt like she'd been hit by lightening. Electricity coursed through her veins, setting her blood on fire and her heart pumping madly. By the time she had let his hand go her underwear was soaked. What the hell was going on? How was this man turning her on so much by touching her hand? She imagined how it would feel if he touched her...

"Excuse me, that's $3.95 please." the taxi driver shouted through the perspex sheet separating them.

"Um, sure. Keep the change" she said, handing him a $5 bill, blushing furiously at her thoughts.

Before entering her building, Bella sat on the stoop and lit a cigarette. She hardly ever smoked, only when she was stressed out, however since seeing Mike she seemed to be smoking a hell of a lot more. She closed her eyes as she inhaled, letting the nicotine hit her, calming her quickly. Second only to the four minutes with Edward, she added to herself.

As if she had wished out loud, she heard her name being called.

"Bella?" She looked across the street at the looming form of Edward.

Edward? What the fuck? What so now now I just think of him and he appears? Is God trying to tell me something? Hey, God, pot of Gold wouldn't go amiss!

"Edward! Hey!" she smiled, waving slightly as he crossed the street, somewhat wary that he had appeared out of nowhere. If you go out of your brain a little more, maybe you'd notice things a bit more! She mentally berated herself.

"Am I disturbing you?" Edward asked.

"Not at all. I was just having a quick cigarette before heading in." she replied, gesturing towards the step she occupied. Edward sat next to her, angling his body towards her.

"Did you have a good night?" he asked quietly, grabbing his own cigarettes and lighting one up.

"Um..sure, when the night was young." she giggled, taking another drag. "Then there was the whole possessive prick incidence"

"You came straight home when I left you then?" he asked, cocking his head towards her.

"Yeah" she nodded, stubbing out her cigarette on the floor and throwing it into the dustbin."You live near?"

"Sure, not far. I just like to walk around. Would you like to go for a walk?" Edward asked her, cocking his eyebrow at her.

"Not much of a walker sorry, especially in Manolo's" Bella grinned. "I was just going to make some tea. Would you like some?" she asked hitching her thumb towards the door.

She had no idea what made her ask this perfect stranger up to her apartment for tea. Infact she instantly regretted saying it. She should have been suspicious, saying good night and locking the door behind her, but something about him made her feel safe. Like she could take on anything with him at her side. He seemed to calm her more than nicotine had ever done. Like as if she could feel an addiction to his smile and smell and voice coming to the surface, threatening to take over.

Shit, I've just touched his hand for Christ sake!

"Um..sure" Edward shrugged, throwing his own cigarette into the dustbin and standing up.

Shit. Was she really allowing this guy up to her apartment? Two seconds later she had her answer...

Hell yeah.

She opened the front door and held it open for him to pass. Edward shook his head at her and lifted his arm over her head to open the door and let her through first. She smirked at his chivalrousness and started towards the stairs. The elevator hadn't worked for months, not that she cared really, she preferred the stairs. They made her feel like she was actually doing some exercise.

Edward walked up the stairs behind her. She could feel his eyes roaming her ass and legs as she climbed, making her body shiver and break out in goose pimples.

Stopping at her apartment, she fished around in her bag for her keys. The bag wasn't that big, but every time she put her hand in to retrieve them she felt like she had borrowed it from Mary Poppins and was about to pull a lamp from it. Feeling around the bottom, she glanced up at Edward who was leaning against the door frame, watching her with mild amusement. She smirked in his direction and turned her attention back the key situation.

Finally grasping her diamanté shoe keyring, she yanked the keys out, unfortunately sending a tampon flying across the room in the process. She couldn't be more embarrassed. Her face blushed as she scurried over towards the thing and threw it back in her bag. She glanced again at Edward who looked like he was trying his best not to laugh in her face. With a growl she unlocked the door and turned the lights on.

Bella lived humbly. Her apartment was small but suited its purpose as she was the only one who lived there. Walking through the front door, the living room opened up with the open plan kitchen on the opposite side of the room and the bedroom and bathroom to the right hand side. It was sparsely furnished, but again, served its purpose as she was hardly ever there.

Taking off her coat and hanging it on the hook behind the door she gestured for Edward to take his off as well.

"I'll keep it on actually. I'm still a little cold" he smiled tightly. Bella nodded at him, suddenly wondering whether her cosy little apartment looked to run down to his eyes. Her doubts flew out the window as Edward parked himself on her sofa and asked whether she had any red wine, rather than tea. At least he planned to stay for a little while.

Walking into the kitchen Bella opened a bottle of wine and brought two glasses back into the living room with her. Edward was sitting stiffly in her sofa. The image made her want to chuckle.

This huge man was sitting on her tiny, ratty sofa, with his knees hauled up towards his chin as he tried to get comfortable. Evidently the coffee table was too close for him to stretch his long legs out. Bella giggled softly as she set the bottle and glasses down, moving around the table and pulling it away from the sofa. Edward grinned awkwardly and made use of the extra leg room.

"So what is it you do?" Bella asked as Edward sipped his wine.

"Um...I'm sort of law enforcement I suppose" Edward shrugged, trying his best not to lie too much to her.

"Really, my father was Chief of Police, Charlie Swan. Do you know him?" Bella asked.

"I've heard of him, but am yet to meet him unfortunately." Edward replied.

After a few minutes of silence Bella spoke up again. "Why don't we play 20 questions?" she asked, setting her glass down on the old oak coffee table and tucking her legs under her bottom. Edward quirked an eyebrow at her, confusion clouding his face. She surmised that even if nothing ever happened between them romantically, something she really hoped for, she admitted to herself, she at least wanted them to be friends. He seemed nice and he had proved he was caring and kind when he approached her outside the club.

"What? Have you never played before?" she asked, surprised. Edward shook his head as Bella explained the rules. "It's an easy way of finding out thing about the other. It's fun" she smiled, causing Edward to mimic her.

"Okay, Favourite...colour?" Bella started

"Brown" Edward replied after a while. Bella frowned slightly. His favourite colour was brown? She found that rather odd.

"What's yours?"

"Gold" Bella blurted out. Before tonight, her answer would have been blue, but as soon as she saw his eyes, gold had instantly replaced it.

They continued on with the game, each finding out each other's favourite songs, movies, places etc. Edward suddenly stiffened, emitting a low growl from his chest, just as there was a loud knock at the front door.

"Isabella? Are you there? I know you are, so open this damn door!" Mike screeched from outside.

"Shit! That's Mike!" Bella hissed, placing her face in her hands. "Why won't he just leave me alone?"

"Do you need me to take care of this?" Edward asked, looking annoyed as hell.

"What are you going to do? I don't want you to punch him or anything" she asked from beneath her hands.

"I won't hurt him, just go and open the door and follow my lead" Edward replied, standing and grabbing Bella's hand, pulling her towards the door. Edward leaned against the wall next to the door as Bella opened it slightly.

"Mike, it's 2 am. What the hell are you doing here?" She asked, keeping the door closed most of the way.

"I told you Isabella, I don't like you going out without me. It will not happen again, do you understand me you little..." Mike stopped just as Edward came into sight.

"Can I help you?" Edward asked, opening the door wider and placing his hands around Bella's waist.

Bella shivered at the contact, her body flushing as moisture seeped into her underwear. Her body relaxed against Edward's chest as he stroked the skin of her tummy. Her skin broke into goose bumps immediately. Initially she thought it was the icy temperature of his fingertips but soon realised it was the 30,000 volts of electricity coursing between their bodies.

Mike was seething. His body was shaking, fists clenched as he walked towards the pair.

"You fucking slut! Fucking behind my back are you? Do you think I'm a fool?" he screamed in Bella's face, causing Edward to push Bella behind him and stand up fully, towering over Mike.

Mike's eyes widened slightly before he backed away.

"I'm sorry, but as I see it, you two broke up, therefore whoever Bella is 'fucking' as you so eloquently put it, is none of your business. So fuck off so I can make my girl scream!" Edward finished with a chuckle as Mike's face turned red.

"How long has this been going on Bella? How could you cheat on me?"

"I didn't cheat Mike! I broke up with you last week. We were never a couple anyway, we went on three dates! What the hell is wrong with you?" Bella said, peering from behind Edwards back and wrapping her arms around his side. "Go away and leave me alone Mike"

Mike stood still, cursing and shooting daggers at Bella for a few minutes, until Edward decided enough was enough.

"Well then, Mike, Bella and I are going to go in that room there.." he started, pointing towards the bedroom "You are more than welcome to stay where you are but I wouldn't recommend it. Bella's not going to be doing any sleeping tonight. Now, Fuck. Off!" he finished, pushing Mike into the hallway and slamming the door on him.

Bella rushed to the door and stood on her tip toes to look out of the peep hole. Mike was retreating down the corridor, punching walls as he went.

She let out a little chuckle and started to turn around to congratulate Edward on a job well done.

She felt Edward's warm breath on the back of her neck for a split second before his lips made contact with the skin of her shoulder. She moaned uncontrollably as his hand brushed the hair behind her ear. Edward kissed from her shoulder up to behind her ear, dragging his tongue across her earlobe and sucking on it slightly.

"Thank you for taking care of Mike" Bella moaned out as Edwards other hand grasped her wrist and turned her around to face him.

"My pleasure" he replied huskily, pushing her further into the door and pressing his body against her. He plunged his hands into her hair and tugged the ends slightly, causing Bella to arch towards him and moan softly.

"I've never wanted to kiss anyone as much as I do right now" Edward whispered, centimetres away from her lips.

Bella reached up slightly, tentatively brushing her top lip against his bottom. Edward snarled and dipped his head lower, capturing her mouth heatedly, tracing his tongue against hers. Bella's arms moved of their own volition, wrapping around Edwards neck and pulling him closer.

She'd kissed a few people in her short 26 year old life, but this was beyond anything else she had experienced. Edward's soft lips teased and nipped at her, sending waves of arousal around her body, making her moan into his mouth. Edward moved his hands under her ass and hoisted her body up, holding her against the door. Bella's legs wrapped around Edward's waist as he ground his rather impressive erection into her heat. They were both panting, hands wandering under clothes, touching each other's skin.

Edward's phone started to vibrate in his pocket, which just happened to be very close to her core. Bella moaned loudly, pushing her head back against the door and grinding her hips wantonly against Edward.

"Shit! I'm sorry Bella, but I need to take this. I'm sort of on call" Edward grumbled, dropping her legs to the floor but holding onto her face, his body still impossibly close as he reached into his pocket and answered his phone.

"What?" Edward growled down the line as a high pitched voice muttered something fast.

"It's nice to know you have so much faith in me, Alice" Edward muttered, causing the voice to slow.

Bella wondered who the hell Alice was. Was he married, did he have a girlfriend?

Shit!

Bella wondered what type of person would make out and practically dry hump someone without finding out something as important as that!

Edward sensed Bella pulling away, as Alice explained that she would, so ended the call as quickly as possible, promising to check in soon and took her face in his hands.

"I'm really sorry, but I need to go. That was my brother's mate. I'm needed at home." Edward grumbled, placing his forehead against hers.

Mate? Who the fuck calls someone their 'mate'? Bella thought before she spoke.

"I need to ask you something first, Edward" Bella said softly. "Do you have a girlfriend, or wife?" she asked, biting her lip painfully, waiting for the inevitable 'yes' response.

"No. No girlfriend, wife or significant other" Edward grinned, kissing her lips softly. Bella smiled in response and moved from the front of the door.

"Am I going to see you again, Edward?" Bella asked, suddenly afraid that she would wake from this incredible dream.

"Count on it" Edward smirked as he opened the door and strolled down the corridor and down the stairs.

Bella closed the door and slide to the floor, brushing her fingertips against her lips that still tingled with the thought of Edwards kisses. Still completely turned on she ran into her bedroom with the intention of sating her arousal.

There was a note on the bed, right next to a Polaroid picture of her parents, bleeding and tied up.

She screamed and ran for the phone just as someone banged on her door.