The Princess of the Volturi

by Lady Eleanora

*Angel of Life Rewrite* A/U, OOC at times with some OCs possibly. Set during New Moon. Rated T for now. Edward left Bella, with it resulting in a series of unfortunate events for the human girl. Depressed and heartbroken, she was about to end it all when a surprise saves her and throws her into a new world. What will Bella do, what will she choose for her new life?

Summary: (New Moon, A/U and OOC I guess. Rated T, will have to see where the story goes and if this rating needs to be changed or not.) Edward leaves Bella after the catalyst that is her 18th birthday. It has to be the worst thing possible as Bella is thrown into an insufferable and abusive situation with her once-best friend. Bruised, beaten, isolated and depressed, Bella is ready to end it all when she is unintentionally saved by a royal guard infamous to the vampire world. She is ready to face the punishment of knowing a world she should not know, but in a series of twists Bella is taken into the Volturi under the seemingly love and care of its leader. Whatever they have in store for her, be it death or possibly becoming the most important person in existence, Bella has no time to be prepared for what is in store for her.

A/N: Finally, I've gotten around to do it. It's been itching at me to take a long and hard look at this little story I did ages ago. After I had re-read over what was up currently, I found that I really detest how Angel of Life was previously written.

I've been taking lots of little breaks here and there – dealing with real life and all its ups and downs, as well as finding enjoyment in other hobbies and mainly sticking to writing up my rewrite of HSNE – I found some time to come up with this rewrite here. I have to say, moderately more pleased with this initial first chapter. And I hope to better plan and flesh out this story in the future.

As this rewrite starts to go up, I'll be taking down the original AoL I had up and replacing that with this. Apologies if anyone ever wanted or wants to read or re-read over some of my works of ramblings. But I'd like to start fresh and with a clean slate.

Let's begin then. I hope all who read this, enjoy it as now it is under a new name.

Disclaimer: Self-explanatory but I do not own the rights to the Twilight franchise. I do not own the characters as that belongs to Meyers.

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The Princess of the Volturi

I

-The Encounter-

~Bella~

My brown eyes found my reflection. I raised a gentle finger towards my eye, seeing the water well up on the spot while the sting reminded me that I was hurt. The black eye on my left was barely healing but my right decided to accompany it so I had a matching set. My finger then went down to the scar on my right cheek, wincing when I remembered how I got that. The blade was so sharp and the "accident" was so quick. Thank god it didn't go too deep. I thought to myself, gulping down the sob from the memory. I then continued downward and found myself gnawing gently on my bottom lip – swollen and split from last week's fight. There was another sting, sharper than the stinging in my eyes from those injuries.

There was only so much more hiding I could do from all this.

I never imagined that my life would turn out this way. I only had moved to Forks last summer, finding escape from my mother who was a newly-wedded wife to my step-dad Phil. I wasn't comfortable in being in the way of keeping her from spending time with Phil when he was constantly on the road with his baseball team. So I took the initiative. As much as Renee begged for me to stay, I knew she wanted to be by his side. It was definitely a change of pace though from moving away from the sunny state of Arizona, up north to Washington where I found a new home with my father Charlie Swan. And as much as he is my father, the both of us are awkward, socially inept and introverted. Our reunion was just a one-sided hug before we went back to the old small white house that was mine when I was nothing more than a little kid.

I was set to go to the local high school; I was supposed to be living a normal and uneventful life when I came here. Finish my high school career, go to college and find some mediocre job to earn money while earning my degree in some field, then after graduating I'd go into that career for the rest of my days – clean and cut-dry, nothing exciting. It's what any normal, human girl would expect.

That all changed when I met them - and more specifically him.

The first day I arrived to the school was when I saw them, the Cullen siblings. All five of them were gorgeous, pale-skinned, and shared the common trait of topaz-golden eyes. The caddy Jessica gossiped to me that day that even though they were all adopted by their adoptive parents, they were dating each other. All except the lone third teenage male – the Adonis himself, Edward Cullen. They all dumbfounded me; where as much as I knew they were beautiful, fluid and quick, something about them was intriguing and mysterious. Even more so did my suspicions arise when the small encounters that I had with the elusive Edward – between noting his cryptic attitude towards me in biology, and the moment he had managed to stop Tyler's decrepit van from crushing me – that I knew I had to investigate them somehow.

This is where my old childhood friend would be of help. Jacob Black. I pushed the shiver back.

Being a Native American on the reservation, that day at the beach I had went down with my classmates I learned through the old native lore about the cold ones. It pointed me in the right direction that led me down the path to finding out that the cold ones were vampires. Even more surprising from Jacob's telling, is that he admitted that the Cullens were the exact same cold ones from the lore. I didn't believe him at first, thinking he was pulling a fast one. But the serious look and lack of tone implying he was just pulling my leg, was enough to convince me that he was telling the truth.

Now I was left with a decision – did I want to confront the only Cullen who I knew I could talk to about this information and demand answers? Or should I push it back and to the side, ignore everything that I had dug through for answers, ignore their existence and continue on with my normal human life?

The normal and safe reaction would've been the second.

But the first, irrational side took a chance and I was soon confronting Edward with my findings, demanding the truth.

If he was a vampire, there was the fear that I would die by his hands as he would want to keep the secret safe. A human that waltzes into his life, telling him that she found enough reason to believe that he and his family were vampires – surely that'd be enough to upset him, and he would kill me. Who would want a human meddling with their world? Granted, if he did know that I knew his secret, more likely I would've been dead already. There's been an ample amount of time for that to happen. The times I've been alone with him, he could've easily reached over and drank me dry, or snap my neck, or do anything to eliminate the nosy human that I was.

I didn't know what to expect from him when I confronted him; perhaps mostly denial, being accused of being a lunatic of believing it, or as I've said before the possibility that that would be my last moments on Earth before it would end there. Nip the problem in the bud.

But the twist: he admitted the truth after all of my persistence, and did nothing to harm me. He was mostly angry with himself for not being more careful, cursing fate that I had become so enamored with finding the truth about him, and did all he could to push me away. It was futile. I was drawn to him, feeling satisfied that I had my suspicions answered and that I was in the know now. Yes, Edward Cullen was a gorgeous vampire, intellectual, strong, fast, lethal and immortal. I had listened to all of his warnings, the information being absorbed and heavily weighing my shoulders down. The gravity of the situation was there, but it didn't matter. I could openly admit that I was attracted to him. What human wouldn't be? It was their lure for humans in their original design, drinking from humans and make the fight less messy.

Edward had then admitted that he wanted to stay away from me, that it's not natural to feel such attraction towards his designated prey. I knew in that moment he wouldn't hurt me or kill me; as previously said, he had ample opportunities prior to this confrontation, to do so. And without the stereotypical red eyes that vampires of lore had, I knew that he wasn't a normal vampire. (Which later I found out from him that he and his family drank from animals instead, calling themselves vegetarians and classifying it as the more humane way of sustaining themselves.) So when I had said I wasn't afraid, that he had nothing to be afraid of, our romance was sealed. For now.

It shocked everyone when we started dating. My human friends couldn't believe clumsy, shy Bella had captured the attention of the strange Edward Cullen. Two of his "siblings" were more than elated to gain a new friend (and possibly a new family member) – an outsider that was mortal but in-the-know of the secret world. Emmett's and Alice's energy and elation brought me hope that I would be safe with these creatures. Jasper, the emotional reader and manipulator, struggled as he never had much control over himself with human blood before. But he stayed strong for his bouncy wife Alice, as much as she tried to reassure him through her own power – visions – that nothing bad would ever happen to me when I would be around. I did my best to take Rosalie's venom, in stride. She didn't trust me; an outsider to the circle, I was a liability to her family. Fragile that attracted danger, I tried to chalk it up to just protectiveness. Esme and Carlisle – the matriarch and patriarch to this band of teenage vampires – were pleasant and welcoming to me. Carlisle was the leader of this coven, and felt that Edward was the closest to a son he could call his own. The two trusted each other's judgments and often went to each other for devising plans the safe and logical way. Esme was such a mother, gentle and caring. She was just happy that Edward wasn't alone anymore, and thanked me for bringing smiles to her family.

The happiness didn't last long however.

Nomads came around to ruin any chances of that. I shivered again, one of my fingers subconsciously tracing the crescent scar that was ever-present on my pale wrist. I glanced down at it with this action, the memories of that night still fresh in my mind. Purpling bruises of hands and tightened fingers, framed the scar. Another sob threatened to escape.

I surely thought that I would die that night from James' game. The pain from the glass that pierced through my frail human flesh, the blood that was splattered everywhere while I was being tossed around like a ragdoll – it was all too much that I am surprised the Cullens had managed to make it in time. James was quick in getting one last, lasting wound that I'd be stuck with for the rest of my life. The bite was pure agony. Sheer torture, the fire began so quickly and was menacingly tearing through me; hot white fire licked my insides while I screamed out, begging for it to end. The Cullens around me were blurs through the haze, taking care of James while Carlisle and Alice tended to me. Soon, Edward took over. My sobbing angel, through the fire, did his best to save me from the transformation – buying me time to remain mortal.

What a great decision, in what that left me with…

I nearly was killed by him in the end, as he almost couldn't help it with my blood that sang for him like a siren song. But he managed to reel in his burning desires and pulled back, having deemed me free of James' venom. When I later woke up, I was in Phoenix's hospital bandaged and wired up, my foot in a cast. Renee had flown out in a panic to see me, worried about her only daughter. And then Edward was there, looking distraught and ashen. He reminded me of his old warning, fearing that it was indeed too dangerous for me to be around his family, around him. His threat to leave me was enough to send me into overdrive, panicked tears streaming down my sickly face. After everything we had been through in that time, I dreaded more than anything the idea of losing him, being left alone, than actually dying.

And so, after James' attack, he and his family stayed. Our romance bloomed and felt secure, felt strong and locked down. It felt amazing to feel loved like I did when I was with him.

But, the catalyst soon arrived – my 18th birthday just one month ago.

I didn't blame them. I didn't blame Jasper. I blame myself. My human fragility, the fact I wasn't careful with that piece of wrapping paper – all of it was my fault. No one could've guessed his reaction. The bloodlust that sent him into a frenzied state, I would've nearly died that night no doubt. But Edward had pushed him off – the damage was already done even if I wasn't harmed by them. Edward saw just how dangerous it was for me again, to be around his world. I tried shaking the fear that something was changing, but when he and his siblings stopped showing up for school I knew that they had decided on something.

That day in the forest will forever haunt me.

His words still echo in my head.

The Cullens under his own guise, decided to leave Forks behind – namely, leave me behind. Edward had been too scared to remain here any longer after my birthday. He wanted me to see that it wasn't right all along to have me surrounded by vampires that could snap and kill the one thing that was most precious to him in an instant. My frailness of humanity was too much to consider, and so he was taking the other end of the spectrum to putting my safety above all else; even if that meant removing himself and his family entirely from the picture, then so be it. He claimed over time I'd move on, forget about them and continue out my mortal days happily when they were nothing but a distant foggy memory. "It's for the best." A statement he supplied, it was more than agonizing than my heart could handle. He did all he could to push me away, even so much as going on to say he didn't love me. That stung the most.

I was lost in the forest for hours screaming and wailing, until Charlie and the town had found me that night.

I wanted to retreat and become catatonic. My heart had just been ripped out, shredded into a million micro-pieces, and then incinerated before my very eyes. My sanity was beginning to slip as the only thing I knew – the one person who made me feel safe and loved, happy and carefree – told me he didn't love me and that he would be sure to rid himself from my existence. I wanted to wake up from this nightmare, to find Edward Cullen beside me in my bed and to reassure me that indeed it was just a nightmare. Nothing from the truth of reality, I wanted it to end. But they were really gone. I couldn't do anything to get them back. I should've been thoroughly infuriated with them, with him, for crushing my heart and abandoning me. I wanted to will this to happen. But I knew… I know more than ever, it wasn't possible. The damnable vampire had my heart under lock and key. It felt hollow to no longer have him beside me. I was nothing but a shell. I had to accept it, but I fought it for sure.

As much as I wanted to retreat, someone didn't let me.

Jacob Black emerged at this point to swoop in and bring comfort. Or what he would like to call comfort. He was always my childhood friend – the one with a boyish grin, boastful attitude in his knowledge of fixing up cars, and did all he could to make me smile and laugh. He had a place in my heart for a long time; he was my sun and my best friend. A brother more than anything, I remembered that when Edward and I were officially going out together Jacob did try to insert himself into my life as much as he could. Edward had told me he never approved of his thoughts, never comfortable with the idea of me being alone with him. I pushed his worries aside and did all I could to defend Jacob.

So when the Cullens had left me alone, Jacob took his chance to become the main focal point of my life. I wanted nothing more than to tell him to leave me alone. I wanted to wallow in my misery and loneliness; I wanted depression to overtake my mind. I wanted to die. Charlie could see that Jacob was only trying to do his best to cheer me up, and didn't let me stay in my room in my near-zombie state. He pushed me to let Jacob in, to let someone in, so that I could try my best to heal from my heartache. He hated seeing me sad.

Charlie doesn't realize just what he's done.

Jacob's way of comfort was the least be whole-hearted and welcoming. That first week, I would've thought maybe it would be alright. I thought that perhaps I should move on and try to reconnect with Jacob; who knows, maybe something was there for us and it had been there all along. But, I was quickly proven wrong. The tears on my face as I was left with the sharp memories of that night bubbled over. I did my best to keep my sobs down. He was the opposite of what I wanted – hot breath forcibly entering my mouth when he glued his lips to mine. I did all I could to push him off of me. It was too soon, too fast for me. I was still mourning the loss of the one I truly loved, I didn't want another relationship – not yet a small part of me had whimpered. Jacob was too strong for me however; that summer he had somehow bulked up in size, and his overall body temperature was searing my skin. It was too much for me.

He had chuckled darkly to himself when he could feel my feeble attempts of trying to push him off of me. He let me go finally; before I could scream and threaten action, a searing hand slammed itself into my face. I was reeling, sent crashing to the dirt ground below. Tears were spilling already from my eyes while I held my cheek.

"There are more disciplinary actions to come if you refuse my affections, Bella." He warned me, before yanking me back up to him by my arm, roughly I might add. It was that night that he established our "relationship" as boyfriend and girlfriend. He's always wanted it to be us, not me and the bloodsucker that I had originally been with. He knew all along that I was dating Edward the vampire, and now that they were gone, I was all his to have and love. I had no form of protection from his abusive ways. I never wanted Jacob like this – I only ever saw him as a friend and a way of comfort to fill the void that was caused by the Cullens' leaving and absence. But he refused to let me go, saying I was his from the start and no one else can have me. The "disciplinary" role he took – that was nothing more than forceful affections (kisses, hugs, to straight-up unwelcomed fondling that I did all I could to push away), slaps and punches, and forms of verbal and mental abuse – was all he had to do to keep me with him and keep me in line. I immediately threatened him soon after that Charlie wouldn't stand for this and would keep me safe.

He merely laughed in my face.

"So naïve. Charlie's been wanting us to get together ever since we were in diapers – he isn't about to give that up. Besides, he loves me and would believe me over you. You're a natural danger magnet and bruise so easily. He'll be too far in denial to consider it as an outside force. But, here's the kicker – if you even come close to telling Charlie what's really going on, I'll do all I can in my power to end his life. Everyone you knew that could protect you and keep you safe, will cease to exist."

The emotional abuse he had already done to me, it was enough to keep me in fear of it actually happening. I believed his threat. I believed that Charlie wouldn't give up his dreams of his daughter dating his best friend's son. I believed that Charlie would deny that it was someone causing me harm; I get bruises from tripping over nothing. I believed that if I did say anything, Charlie would die because of me. I believed everything.

So I suffered, in silence. It has been going on for a month ever since they had abandoned me. Everyday Jacob would add a new bruise to the collection, force himself and his "love" on me. Every day, I cried and sobbed when I was alone, doing my best to move past the pain from his hits and slaps, the emotional pain I still felt from the Cullens' leaving, and the despair that settled upon me. There was no way out of this nightmare that was now my reality. I never expected Jacob to become so abusive, so possessive and dark. He wasn't the Jacob I knew growing up – it was a husk of who he was. An unwelcomed stranger, that I had no way of leaving and being set free from. I was alone. Charlie couldn't know about this, Jacob would kill him. He wouldn't even believe you, I reminded myself. The emotional onslaught I was dealt with, it was enough to twist and warp the truth. I wanted to believe that my dad would be there for me. But Jacob had done his job of isolating me, well. I never got to see my human friends anymore. I had to dress the way Jacob wanted me to dress. I had to be with him every day for some time. It was becoming harder and harder to hide my scars, bruises and cuts that he gave me. The part-time job I had to take, in order to get new baggy clothes and make-up to hide it all, was under his control as I had to work at a local food joint down on the reservation.

Charlie thought it was good that I took a job at least down at the beach to be closer to Jacob; all the while he was happy to see I was trying my best to keep up with school. But most of all, he was happy that I seemed to be "moving on from that Edmund boy".

If only he knew…

A sudden knock on my bedroom door jolted me away from my thoughts. Amidst me having recall all that's happened to me within such a short amount of time, I forgot Charlie was still home.

"Yeah?" I called out, trying my best to hide the trembling in my voice. I was still keeping back the sobs as much as I could. I knew better that the tears were going to fall on their own volition, so there was no point in trying to stop crying.

I heard Charlie's grunt. "You've been in there for awhile Bells, you alright?"

"I'm fine, dad." I mustered up an answer, shuffling over to my dresser to get the make-up on my face, to hide the bruises.

Silence at first, met my ears.

"Well, if you say so. I'm going to be heading out for work today. Do try to take it easy today if you're still feeling sick like you told me last night. I won't push you to go to school." He rambled from the other side of the door while I began patting on the creamy concealer over my dark bruises, trying to push past the throbbing that it brought on.

"Y-Yeah, I'm still not feeling that well today… I think I'm just going to stay home." I shouted hoarsely, gulping down some air.

"Alright well… there should be enough food here for you so you can eat. I'll be back later tonight, so get some rest Bells. Love ya." I heard him say, before I heard his heavy clunky steps on the stairs, signaling that he was heading out for work. Once I heard the front door open and then promptly shut, I did my best to finish up the makeup on my face. It looked… presentable at least. The darkness of the bruising under my eyes was under caked-up layers of the peach-based concealer. I tried to cover the scar as much as I could, make it seem less angry-red. There was nothing I could do about the busted lip.

I had been planning this for awhile. I never took it upon myself to go this far. But with all of the cascading problems I've had in such a short span of time, it was becoming too much. I was too far gone down the hole that was depression. I've been kept isolated and separated from others, left to keep the truth of the situation under wraps. I had to avoid my human friends who did all they could to try and communicate with me. It was for their own safety that they don't get caught up with Jacob's aggressive ways. I had to lie and skirt around Charlie, doing all I can to hide my wounds and bruising. I never wanted to see him get hurt. The other tribe members on the reservation – the few that I have met through Jacob – noticed my bruises and cuts then would look at Jacob. But they couldn't get close to ask or do anything to help; Jacob would notice their prying eyes and growl them off before pulling me away.

And worst of all, the one sole group of people who had protected me before – they were gone.

I had no one.

Jacob knew it, and kept it that way.

So, it was an impulsive decision but I knew that there was no other way of escape. I bitingly thought to myself, perhaps that psychic will see this. Not like I matter to them anymore.

I took one last look in the mirror, nodding in approval that it was enough to go out in public without being stopped and questioned. No one could get involved – I wasn't going to risk it. I slipped on my baggiest jacket, just adding another layer over top my long sleeved sweater and loose jeans. It only encased me in a mild shield of warmth for the cool October air, even though the clothes didn't fit me snugly anymore. I had since lost weight – both from the loss of the Cullens thus equaling in being unable to stomach much, and Jacob wanting me to stay thin as possible to his liking – but it didn't matter as Jacob didn't want me to wear tight-fitting clothes; "I'm not going to have you parading yourself around like a whore in tight clothes. You're such a skank and a slut, wanting people to look at you like that." He had growled at me when I tried to argue I couldn't wear loose clothes that would barely stay up and on me to begin with.

I shook off that memory, before I hurried out of my small room.

I was in my truck and rushing down the road in my clunky truck. At least the ass let me keep this. I thought bitterly to myself, my jaw clenching with resolve while I drove to my destination. It surprised me still that he would let me keep this truck even though he probably knows good and well I could easily run. But where could I run to? The Cullens were gone, my friends couldn't get involved nor could my dad. My mother was out in Florida and I didn't have the money to drive all the way down there; she'd more likely turn me back around to come back here as I too – in the mental state that I was – believed she wouldn't believe my side of this story. I had nothing, I had no one. There was nowhere I could run to.

This was my only means of escape that I could reason with.

I pulled up to the corner store that had a pharmacy, cautiously getting out of the truck. I had fear that Jacob could appear at any moment and see I was out, see that I was doing something he didn't approve of. Today thankfully he didn't push me to come down today. I managed to convince him I wasn't well, that Charlie would be staying home with me and that I couldn't go to school or work. Jacob I know would've argued but his tribe friends held him back, saying they needed to do stuff today anyhow that I shouldn't be around for it. Of course, all of it was lies but I've gotten better with lying.

I quickly hurried inside, out from the rain and away from any other dangers. It was quiet and cool inside, generic and boring jazz music filling the store. A bored cashier was at the front, clicking away on her phone. I rushed to the back where the pharmacy was, heading straight for the sleeping pills. I had no idea if this would work, but it was my only shot.

I then made my way to the counter where the pharmacist greeted me though I could tell he was questioning mentally if I was old enough to be buying medicinal products. I pulled out my card and ID, showing it to him.

"So, having some trouble with sleeping?" the pharmacist tried to spark a conversation. I meekly nodded; it was partially the truth that I have been trouble sleeping. Since they had left, my nights were spent with restless, minimal sleep. The nightmares I had were vivid and dark. Many had been of Edward walking away while I stumbled through the darkness to chase after him only to fall down a deep pit of death – before being woken up with harsh shaking from Charlie when he heard my wails and screams. It continued like that, before I had nightmares of Jacob's abuse. Him slapping and hurting me in my dreams, him taunting me that I was his and would always be his, that I'd never have anyone to save me – when paired with nightmares of Edward's retreating figure, sleep became nonexistent.

The pharmacist began to explain the instructions on how to take these safely and not to overdo it each night else I could risk my health and safety. I listened to it numbly, knowing that it wasn't going to change my ultimate decision. After paying, I hurried back out of the store, throwing the medicine on the passenger's seat before I drove off with my new destination in mind. I don't know what compelled me to do it there but I guess it was for the best that I do it away from my house – avoid Charlie finding me later. I don't know if I'd ever be found or when I would be. It may not be long as I know Charlie would have people combing through the woods first.

It didn't register in my head the time that had passed during that drive, but I managed to make it to the spot that I knew all too well before I had continue on foot. I grabbed my items after shutting off the truck, and began my way through the forest. I knew I wouldn't get there quick. I was no vampire after all, capable of running at the speed of light practically and making it to my desired destinations in under five minutes. I could only hope that I wouldn't take all day getting here however. There was still fear of Jacob coming to find me.

I stumbled over roots and rocks in the muddy earth, doing my best to make sure I didn't fall down. My heart was racing as the time was drawing closer and closer. I knew this is what I wanted to do – it felt like this was all I had left as a choice in order to escape my pain. It's definitely terrifying to think about while I still had time, but this was seemingly the better choice to take. No more pain, no more berating and belittling. I'll be free from this life. I don't know if anyone would care once I'm gone. I thought to myself, noticing that my tears were once again spilling over.

Finally, I managed to make it to my destination in one piece.

It was a stark contrast now than before. Spring, it was a beautiful safe haven for us. We could be ourselves here, feel utterly safe for what would seem like eternity. I could talk to him freely here, ask him all about his past, his family's past, everything that there is about vampire lore. We could laugh, we could tease each other, play… kiss, huddle together, whisper sweet nothings to one another. It was our home. Even during summer it was still gorgeous with its flowers. The grass would still be a brilliant green, the trees alive and vibrant with their jade leaves. The scents could overwhelm us between the musk and dew, the scents of the wildflowers. It is… it was our heaven.

Fall sought to age it all. The grass was turning a dusty brown. The trees were turning their shades of oranges and reds, the flowers were dying off. The smells were slowly dying off while everything was becoming old and starting their dormancy in preparation for winter. It didn't feel safe anymore. It felt like the meadow was slowly dying.

And so it's a perfect place for me to end this.

I went to the middle of it all, looking around the space in remembrance. All memories were bittersweet – sour to the taste in realizing I would no longer have any happy memories of this place. No longer did it feel inviting and lovely. It would be a shallow wake of land. They were gone. He is gone. I knew they would never return. This place will never see happiness or vibrancy anymore. I would be the final piece to it all to show no longer would this place have life. It's a symbol of death now; the death of my romance and my will to live.

I sat down, taking the large bottle of pills out and staring down at it numbly. A part of me rationed that there's the chance that this wouldn't be enough. But it'd be a start if it wouldn't do the job. I had a large bottle of water in the bag too, and I knew I'd be doing my best to finish the whole thing quickly. I couldn't doddle for long. There was hesitancy in my beginning, but I decided that now was as good of a time as any. I started to take a small handful of pills at a time – more than the dosage ever asked for – when suddenly I heard it. I thought it was my insanity starting to kick in, but who knows what it could've really been.

"Bella!"

I lifted my head ever so slightly to look towards the cloudy sky. Tears were falling silently, but a small smile played on my lips. It wasn't out of bliss or relief; it was a rueful curl of my mouth.

His voice is still so strong in my mind. I thought to myself. "Don't do anything dangerous." His last words to me replayed itself in my head. It was a little too late for that.

"I'd never peg you to be a suicidal person, Bella." But another voice piped up, one that I didn't want to hear. I shrugged slowly.

"You know not talking to me is going to get you only into trouble, right?"

"Leave, Jacob. I've decided there's only one route for me to take by this point." I snapped at him, getting ready to take another dosage of pills when I heard him behind me. He yanked me to my feet roughly, the bottle dropping and spilling out pills onto the ground. My water bottle followed suit. I stared him down blankly while his brown eyes were fiery with rage.

"Like I'd let you kill yourself. You can't get away from me that easily." He snarled, a sinister smirk threatening to appear on his face.

"What's the point of keeping me alive then? I've been nothing but your rag doll for this past month. You've thrown me around, punched me, kicked me, busted my lip and given me multiple wounds. You've isolated me from my friends, my father and my mother. I feel nothing more than actual garbage about my appearance. I've never been so depressed before in my life, cornered and left with nothing to live for. You certainly are the worst piece of a shit of a human being to exist on this planet – I'd rather die than be with you. And I'd gladly make my death painful as possible for myself because at least it'd be nothing compared to the nightmare that I've gone through. So really, what's your motive here Black? You'd eventually kill me anyhow, that's what domestic abuse always amounts to – let me just save you the damn trouble." I growled back, glaring at him darkly.

He balked.

"Exactly, so why don't you just fuck off?"

"You've really done it now Bella." He hissed, throwing me back down to the ground with his body shaking violently. I caught myself and scrambled to get my pills and drink, backing away from him quickly. His shaking only grew worse, him holding his head with taut fingers. I could only watch him, frozen on the spot and unsure of where I could run to. I didn't know what was going on but it soon happened within a flash.

Jacob exploded and morphed rapidly. He let out a loud howl of rage, his clothes ripping and tearing. His limbs quickly became angular and elongated, russet fur growing quickly from within his skin. He was snarling and shaking his head this way and that.

Soon, Jacob became a large massive wolf. His brown eyes stared me down coldly, a low rumbled emanating from his chest.

Lovely, there are werewolves all of a sudden in this universe? What's next since we've already got vampires – fucking fairies and unicorns? I thought to myself sarcastically in a brief moment of panic. We continued to stare down each other. My heart was racing wildly by this point, but I didn't dare to let an ounce of fear make it known on my face. Jacob couldn't know that. He'd take it as a sign of weakness and no doubt would lunge in for the kill.

"Felix, Demetri. Take care of this if you would be so kind."

I almost didn't hear the order but suddenly, Jacob was gone from his spot in front of me. I blinked, shaking my head slightly and looked around, wondering where he went. It didn't take long for me to find him but when I did my heart stopped briefly. He was being slammed against a set of trees, howling and growling madly from his two attackers. Two males from what I could tell, one bulky and muscled to the brim, the other lanky and quick. They were blurs while they played a game of toss-the-wolf-boy-around. When I heard a high-pitched throat being cleared, I turned back and felt ice run down my spine.

Five more vampires stood before me. I could only call them as such because of their alabaster skin, and ruby red eyes that stared back at me.

There were three females, and two males. The first female I noticed was incredibly breathtaking. I could help the pang of mild sadness that occurred; seeing her beauty reminded me of a certain blond ice queen of the Cullens. Her mahogany hair cascaded around her face, framing her heart-shaped face perfectly. She was dressed in a tastefully risqué manner. The second female I noticed was regarding me with a chilling smile. She was child-like in size – petite and small yet looked just as elegant as the first female. Her hair was very light brown in color – bordering towards a very dirty blond in some form. Everything about her face screamed that she was nothing more than a child when she was brought into the vampire world with her pouty small mouth, her button nose and wide doe-eyes. The third and final woman was glued to the back of one of the men. She was close to my height I could say, with long black hair flowing down her back. Her bloody eyes flitted about the area, flighty in their movement as if she was looking to see if any new and oncoming dangers would be approaching.

I then moved onto the males before me. One of them stood close to the child-like vampire, regarding me with just as much of a cold glance. His burgundy hair was curly and short. He too looked young in age before he was brought into the world of vampirism – no more than age 12 of thirteen. He held his hands behind his back, standing tense before me. The final male I noticed radiated age and a demand for respect. He had to be the oldest of the bunch, his skin looked papery and frail even though I knew better that his skin was just as diamond tough as any other vampire's skin. A small playful smile was on his face while he stared me down, his eyes boring into my soul it seemed. He had long jet black hair that framed his weathered, ancient face.

"Master, I want to play with the mutt. Please let me join Felix and Demetri." The little girl vampire spoke up suddenly, her eyes twitching to the ongoing toss-around behind us.

"Patience my dear, you'll be able to have your turn." The ancient male chastised her gently, a laugh escaping while the girl pouted minutely. The male beside her, smirked.

"Master…" the woman behind the ancient one hissed in a frightful tone but was quickly shushed.

"Renata there is nothing to fear here. The pup is being taken care of as we speak, all that we must take care of now is the mortal before us." He gently chided her and my heart stopped.

"Oh sire, please she would make a great play-thing for us." The bodacious vampire of the group begged in a trilling voice, pleading with the ancient vampire.

This was it.

"That is true though, this human girl has seen too much." The young male spoke up then, eyeing me with a glare. I gulped and bowed my head.

"It wouldn't be the first time…" I murmured quietly, and heard a quick gasp.

"Oh?"

I nodded quickly, gulping down my air.

"Speak child!" the young male hissed, growling slightly at me. I jumped and the ancient vampire makes a clicking noise.

"Now now, Alec, no need to get so testy with this girl. I have no doubts that she will tell us." He remarked, smiling at me though I couldn't tell if it was a truthfully genuine smile that could be called friendly, or not. I nodded my head once more before I did my best to explain.

"I'm a bit of a nosey human. Not too long ago there was a coven here that I managed to make friends with. I found out about their secret after they rescued me several times from certain death. However, they've… they have since left town. Where they went, I don't know. But they left me here to try and let me have a life of normalcy and humanity as one of them felt they were the cause of attracting so much danger to me…" I muttered as a start, whilst I heard hisses of disapproval.

"Insolent vampires, exposing themselves to a human is outlandish. Traitorous and foolish, they should receive punishment!" I heard the one behind the ancient one – believe she was Renata – hiss in disgust.

"All in dear time, my sweet guards. Do not fret, they will be receiving their share of punishment. Now tell me girl, who was this coven? We must know their names." The ancient one begged.

"They… The Cullen family." I muttered next, and heard a sharp gasp from him.

"Cullen you say?" I glanced up to see his face held a shocked expression. I nodded my head quickly.

"Master? Are you unwell?" Alec, the young vampire, asked him in worry while the leader of this band of vampires stared down at the ground. His shock was slowly becoming one of anger and disappointment.

"I would never expect Carlisle to do such a thing. You see, mortal girl, the leader of that coven is an old friend. I've known Carlisle for years. At one point, Carlisle had stayed with my own little family, observing on the side. But he wasn't pleased with our lifestyle; at that time he was already drinking from animals and had no interest into returning to his roots that is a vampire. I welcomed him into our home, merely because I could understand and appreciate his needs of curiosity and neutrality. Such a shame he didn't stay, but here I was thinking I could trust him to keep the secret." The ancient one rambled, sighing heavily near the end.

"If you must kill me, I'll welcome it…" I whispered hoarsely, my eyes turning downcast. It really would be welcomed by this point. I was already down in such a deep, depressive hole as is from the fact the Cullens had left me behind and didn't care about me anymore. It was even worse for me at this point since I was trapped with Jacob and his abuse. I couldn't deny the fact that I was actually jumping for joy that two of his guards were throwing him around behind me still, having their sadistic fun. I had nothing left in me to care about him. There was no love, no attachment. It had since left me the minute that he forced himself on me and became an abusive jerk.

The vampires before me made noises of surprise at my admission.

"What an oddity, I've never heard a human welcome death so well…" One of them mused out loud.

"Indeed. Begging for their lives or bargaining is the normal reaction – but this one has no fight left within her…" Another remarked with a humming noise.

"I see bruises and cuts on her. The mutt's stench is pungent from her." One noted.

"Was this mutt abusing you, little mortal?" I glanced up upon hearing this, seeing that the bodacious vampire had asked this. I nodded my head; I didn't bother stopping the tear that had fell from my eye.

"It's been a living hell with him for a month. Ever since the Cullen family had left me, he stepped in with his brand of "comfort". I've been isolated from my friends and family, and left with physical, emotional and mental scars from him. He's threatened to harm my father or anyone else close to me, if I were to ever oust his true nature of what's going on. I don't see any other means of escape, but death. So I came here today to try and end my suffering – he somehow knew and showed up before I could go through with my plans though I thought that once he had turned into what he is now, he'd just end it there for me. If you all hadn't shown up, I wouldn't have gone out on my own terms… I understand the fact that with me knowing the hidden world of vampires, there's the punishment if I were to be found out. So if I must die as punishment, then so be it if it means I can escape that piece of scum behind me." I admitted to them truthfully, now lifting a hand to wipe away the tears that were silently spilling over.

The ancient vampire, as well as the most beautiful one, made quiet noises of sympathy towards me. The vampire behind the ancient one, Renata, softened her hardened face of alert, to that of something resembling pity. And the two twin vampires, Alec and the small female, had their facial expressions falter to something that looked to be of sympathy as well.

"Little one, your suffering will be no more as of today. Master, shall we end this mutt for what he is? No one else should ever bare pain from his hands again if we do. I have pity for this little human." The little girl cooed; it was slightly off-putting to suddenly hear those words. For one, I didn't exactly get caring feelings from the little vampire. She seemed so cold and venomous, even as she talked with such a high-pitched voice. I didn't think she'd sound like she cared for me and what I've been through, so suddenly. And for another, hearing them plan out Jacob's death so casually in front of me as slightly off-putting. Albeit, it did sound relieving as soon I wouldn't ever have to deal with Jacob again.

"A most excellent idea, my little Jane. I feel that yes such a punishment for this rotten mutt is in order!" The ancient vampire cheered, clapping his hands excitedly. His clap caused me to jump.

"Felix, Demetri – bring the dog here so we may end this!" the ancient vampire shouted for the two vampires that were still tossing around Jacob the wolf like he was a rag doll.

I heard snarls and growls, along with sharp hisses of hushed voices, burst out from behind me. A loud thud occurred and I slowly turned around, backing away from the heap that was Jacob on the ground. He looked disheveled, fur mussed. I could even see and smell the light rusty smell of blood, guessing he gained some cuts while being thrown around. I then glanced at the two vampires the ancient one called Felix and Demetri. One was a hulking vampire, large in size and muscle. He had dark hair that was slightly curly but didn't look out of place despite him having his fun with Jacob. His face held harsh and sharp features, but when he glanced over at me with ruby red eyes, a boyish smirk appeared on his face when he caught me taking in his features. I blushed and quickly turned my attention to the other male vampire. He was smaller in height and size in comparison to the bulky vampire he helped in roughing up the wolf in front of me. He was lanky and lithe. I mentally grimaced; the build of this one reminded me much of a certain bronze-haired vampire that had left me. He had dark brown hair that almost looked black, with sharp features that made up his face to which he had a sinister looking smirk on his face while he watched Jacob's writing body on the floor. He enjoyed watching Jacob the wolf squirm in pain.

"Did you enjoy your fun, boys?" the bodacious vampire spoke up and I glanced over at her to see she held an equally dark smirk on her face.

"It was indeed fun, I hadn't been able to mess with something so large in such a long time." The hulking vampire mused in a deep voice, throwing in a chuckle at the end. The wolf at our feet growled up him, but a loud yelping noise escaped when the lanky vampire stepped onto one of his paws and a sickening crunch could be heard in the next second.

"It appears he still has some fight left within him." Alec remarked next.

"It's surprising to say the least. Felix and I are sure we've broken nearly every bone in his body." The lanky one chimed in then, his voice smooth and deep as well. So he must be Demetri. I thought to myself, making mental note that at least I was able to pinpoint almost all of their names now.

"Master, please may I have my fun now?" the child-like vampire begged next, looking up at the ancient vampire once more with pleading red eyes. I looked over as Aro let out a laugh.

"I've held you back long enough, dear Jane. Proceed with your fun, my dear." The vampire mused, staring down wickedly at the wolf who was breathing heavily on the floor. I then peered over at the little vampire – Jane – who smirked and then began to stare intently at Jacob. She must have a power. I guess I'll find out what that power is. I thought to myself, and turned to watch the wolf before us, standing around with these vampires waiting for something to happen.

It didn't take long.

All of a sudden, the wolf on the floor began to squirm violently and convulse disgustingly so. His eyes were shut tightly and he let out feral snarls and growls that soon developed into sharp howls and yelps of pain. I stared on in mild horror, now realizing that this power Jane had, had to be mental. All this little girl was doing was just staring at him with a twisted smile, her eyes focused solely on his writhing form. No one was making a solitary sound while the wolf before us squirmed, his cries possibly for help going unheard. Each vampire looked on with hungry eyes and smiles at his pain. I stood there amongst this spectacle, feeling…

What was I feeling?

I certainly didn't feel worried that was for sure. After the long month of hell I've faced with him dealing the pain and abuse, I've since come to accept the old Jacob I knew growing up was dead. I didn't see my best friend that I grew up making mud pies with, roughing it in the dirt and sand on the beaches of the reservation. I didn't see any charm in his eyes, no warmth in smile, nothing amicable or pleasing. He was no longer a warm, loving being. No, this was a Jacob I didn't want. He was cold, callous, cruel and harsh. He was possessive, abusive, controlling and dark. He was… he is the embodiment of evil. I hated him, I feared him. I was scared of him, feared for my life and my family and friends' lives. I was pushed around, beaten, and forced into something I never wanted with him. I held no love for this thing before me. No compassion, no worries for his safety, nothing that could resemble care – all I held for this creature was cold resentment and pure hatred.

So if I wasn't worried for his well-being in this moment while he was being tortured, then still what was I feeling?

Peace?

Joy?

Was it a mixture of both or nothing at all?

"Now…" I was shaken from my small musings when the ancient vampire spoke up suddenly. I looked over and saw Jane had looked away finally from her intense stare-down over the wolf. Once the mental torture was over, the wolf stopped his erratic movements and left to pant heavily, trying to recover. Jane, Felix, Demetri, Alec, Renata and the breathtaking female vampire whose name I've still yet to receive, all looked to the ancient vampire upon hearing him speak up.

"Since this mutt's initial punishment is out of the way, I believe all that is left is finishing the job. Don't you all agree?" he asked his voice airy and holding light amusement. The vampires all hissed in delight and in agreement and stared down the wolf hungrily.

"What… What are you going to do to him?" I mumbled in a whisper, feeling my face heat up slightly when a few of them looked at me.

"I don't wish to stop you, but…"

"Master should this mortal see our execution of this mongrel? A mere human has such a fragile mind, I can't begin to think that seeing this would scar her beyond repair." The breathtaking vampire cried in worry; it was still so strange to hear something that resembled worry from these killer vampires. I didn't believe they could be merciful like they were behaving right now. For as long as I've been exposed to this mythical world of vampires, I was always led to believe that vampires who stuck to their true design – killing and drinking from humans – were not able to hold any compassion for humans. I felt that way since encountering the nomads that I had encountered not too long ago. And even when these vampires arrived here to unintentionally save me, it felt they wanted to play with their food before dealing punishments onto me for knowing of their world when they seek to keep it a secret.

"Your worries are well placed, dear Heidi. Perhaps we should ask this mortal her views on this matter…" he muttered the last part to himself, and I blinked.

"I…"

"It must be a lot to take in, the idea of seeing death before your very own eyes." Demetri chimed in minutely, chuckling. I glanced over at him, noting how he looked up at me briefly as if expecting me to answer. I gulped and nodded in reply.

"Do you wish to see the mongrel suffer for his crimes of abuse, little mortal?" I jumped slightly when I heard the small one, Jane, chime in. I was a little scared of whatever her power was – seeing as it appeared to be mental and that it was excruciating in how much Jacob had wiggled and cried out from it – and I looked over to see her staring at me with those doe like eyes. She didn't hold a menacing look on her face when looking at me. No, it was one of pity and something resembling warmth.

This was all so foreign to me.

"I do." I muttered in the next second, not wanting to waste time on giving them an answer. It was true too; no hesitation in the fact I did want to see Jacob pay for all of the pain he's caused me.

I heard a growl from the floor again, and I clenched my fists. I dared to not look at him.

"Then a punishment he shall receive. Make it happen, Felix and Demetri." The ancient vampire spoke with finality in his tone, nodding his head decisively next. I looked back to see Demetri and Felix raising the wolf from the floor, holding him in a constrictive vice grip to ensure he was not able to run off or break free. The wolf began to snarl ferociously and did his best to try and weasel his way out of their grips. I watched on with dark curiosity, surprised I wasn't looking away from what will be the execution of a friend that turned ruthless and evil. Jacob continued to yelp and thrash with all his might in their arms, but it was useless. He was no match for these vampires and their strengths.

"Will you drink his blood?" I blurted out, a sudden sinking in my stomach happening as soon as I asked that out loud. No, it still wasn't in worry for this monster. Rather, it was out of anxiety in smelling the blood that I knew still made me sick to my stomach.

Demetri and Felix were unfazed by my question while the others behind me merely chuckled to themselves.

"Wolves' blood is repulsive to us vampires, little mortal. It's like drinking molten leads, and is rather poisonous." I heard the beautiful vampire, Heidi, say behind me. I nodded briefly and continued to watch.

It was short and quick.

The two male vampires that were holding him down seemed to think together that his weak will of trying to fight his imminent fate had gone on long enough. They looked over to one another and nodded to each other silently. Demetri went to hold most of the body down while Felix wrapped his massive arms around the thick neck of Jacob. I could feel my heart pumping wildly, as I looked on. Felix was growling curses at Jacob in what sounded like another language I did not understand. Jacob's twitching grew even more violent if that could've been even remotely possible. His life was now hanging onto a thin thread. He was trying to snap his teeth at the massive vampire, but it was useless. He was stuck in a vice group that he had little to no movement allowed.

With great blinding speed, Felix snapped Jacob's neck. It was painfully quick, and the sharp crack of bones was the only sound heard. Jacob's wolf eyes bugged out, with the light of life in them leaving soon after. His wolf body slumped in their grasp, and they let go of him. Jacob's now dead body crashed to the dirt ground in a heap, unmoving. I stared on, trying to process everything that had just occurred. I had witnessed a death, a murder – an execution as they had put it. My heart was beating wildly since it was almost too much for me to see all of this. It should've been repulsive and I should've looked away; it would've been the normal reaction to have. But as I've said before, this monster caused enough pain for me for a month now. I held no emotions for him but hate and resentment.

To see that he was finally dead… it was a relief to say the least.

I gulped down some air, realizing I had stopped breathing once the act was happening. I could feel some of their stares on me whilst they heard me noisily breathe like a dying fish.

"Are you well, little mortal?" Felix's booming voice piped up to break the silence. I looked up at him to see he was regarding me passively, and I briefly nodded.

"It's a lot to take in, but… I'm grateful now I won't have to suffer with him around." I murmured, nodding my head to try and mentally accept that fact. He was gone… he really is finally gone.

"What shall happen now to this mortal?" Renata finally spoke up after another moment of silence passed. I stilled once more, glancing over at the group behind me where the ancient vampire had looked over at me then. He was looking over at me with observant red eyes, mulling over something hard. I did my best to keep still, trying not to fidget under the scrutinizing eyes of all of these vampires that were looking at me. My heart only sped up once more, while I was trying my best to possibly prepare for the inevitable punishment I was sure to face next. I was an outsider on the inside, I knew too much of their world. I had broken that rule when coming into contact with the Cullen family. He broke their sacred rule by telling me their secret, exposing me to this mythical world. They did all they could to ensure my faith of secrecy – when they cared about me and I, them. I feel a small part of me still does, however slight and minimal it may be. I felt betrayal and hurt in their leaving no matter way.

They abandoned me and I suffered through a nightmare because I was left by myself, to defend myself fruitlessly against the monster that was Jacob.

I held resentment towards the vampire family. But did I worry that they now would too suffer the consequences while I was the one that meddled with their lives to find out who and what they were to satisfy my out curious urges?

"Those that have exposed our world to this human should face punishment." Alec said acidly, and the other vampires hissed in agreement.

"Little one, I don't believe we've received your name before. Please do tell us your name, and I would enjoy knowing just how you found out about us through the Olympic Coven. I must know every detail of what has happened before I can make a clear decision of what shall be done." The ancient one spoke up then, silencing the others and causing me to look up in mild surprise at this. He then strode over to me in such a slow yet elegant manner, Renata still glued to his back. The other vampires watched on, tensed all of a sudden. A small part of me almost wanted to burst out loud with a harsh laugh because the sight was laughable in the absurdity of it. I was nothing but a mere human, surrounded by vampires all who were extremely strong and powerful. Surely they couldn't think I would hurt one of them, especially this ancient one as he seemed to be their leader (they've been referring him as "Master" all this time).

The ancient one then stopped once he was close beside me. "Forgive me as I've been rude this entire time. I've yet to mention my name. I am Aro, leader of my coven and guard, the Volturi. You see as I am sure you may have guessed now, we are fairly important. Normally it's not… common, I should say, that I make these personal visits outside of my domain. My guards, particularly these few you see here, do any visits that may need to be done, whether it's taking care of any uprisings or unruly little vampires that are disturbing the balance that we try oh-so hard to maintain. We like to keep ourselves in the shadows, to keep your mortals unaware of what is going on. However, I'd like to say that this certain visit was pressing and I felt the urge to make a personal visit to attend to matters at hand. But, we can certainly talk of that later." He stopped briefly in his explanation to remove a glove that was covering his hands.

Aro then extended his free hand to me. I stared at it briefly.

"It may seem like such a strange request little mortal, but all I ask is that you give me your hand and that will be all I need to receive the answers I so desire. Would you be so kind, little one?" the ancient vampire asked with mirth, his bloody eyes staring down at me with curiosity and mirth. I glanced around noticing the other vampires were watching us with careful attention.

Perhaps he's a mind reader too or something? I mean, it seems like such an innocent request. I thought to myself, breathing in softly when coming to my decision. I raised my own hand shakily and placed it in his, watching his reaction as he grasped me gently and then began to stare off in concentration.

We stood there in silence, my heart beating wildly the more time that passed on. What was he doing? I pondered, gnawing on my bottom lip in worry.

Then, in the next minute, Aro's eyes came back into focus and he stared down at me wide-eyed. Did he actually manage to read my thoughts somehow? If that was his power, he had better luck than he ever did. He could never read my thoughts; it was one of the things that I thought that made me more appealing to him and felt like it was enough of an enigma that made him want to stay. Albeit, it's a childish and silly thought now as I think about it.

"Astonishing… you are silent to me." Aro murmured, and let a loud laugh burst out through the silence.

"Master?" Jane questioned next, staring up at him in confusion.

"This human is unaffected by my power, ever so silent and quiet. Her mind is vacant to me, I cannot hear a single thought." He mused, smiling widely down at me in amazement. I felt my face heat up.

"Please dear mortal, do tell all then as I can't hear it for myself. Do not spare any details to me." Aro begged. I gulped down some air then, and slowly nodded before I began.

"My name is Isabella Swan, but I'm used to everyone calling me Bella. Um… I moved here to live with my father and when I started going to the high school, I met the Cullen teens of the family there. Everyone in the school regarded them as weird yet immensely beautiful and elusive, and I couldn't help but be nosey when I noticed how they were all so extremely pale with amber eyes. It was unnatural and brought out the curiosity in me. It became more apparent that they weren't normal when I encountered the lone male of the group of five that I had seen at school that day. Four were paired off as I was told by one of my human friends who let me in on the gossip – while the fifth one was known to be a loner and not interested in other girls. When I had encountered him with such close proximity in my next class, his visceral reaction was puzzling. I couldn't believe that someone could be so repulsed just by my simple presence like he was." I began, looking down at the ground while I could stop the memories that began to assault me.

"They disappeared for a few days after that first day – all days that were sunny too. When they had returned, the lone one finally began talking to me which was startling for me. His bipolar tendencies of how he acted around me were something I couldn't wrap my head around. But I moved past it and continued to question just who he and his family were – human or something else. It wasn't until he saved me one icy day that I knew he couldn't be human; I would've nearly been crushed by a van that was sliding towards me, if he hadn't suddenly appeared my by side and stopped the crash. The obvious hand shaped dent he left was evidence that he had more strength than any human should have." I heard a quick hiss somewhere from behind Aro, but continued on.

"I poked and prodded him to try and get some answers because I was sick of being left in the dark. He was adamant in not talking about the truth of what had happened, and pressed me to leave it alone. I couldn't and well… I slowly began to do more research on the possibility of what he could be. The wolf," I again paused, briefly glancing down at the corpse that was still laying there. "I used his tribe's legends and myths as means of a starting point. He was the one to admit to me that the coven was one in the same from their stories. It was enough that after a couple days of looking further, I knew I had my answer of what the boy was, what his family was. I confronted him one last time and he finally gave in, admitting the truth as he knew he couldn't hide it from me anymore."

"What is his name?" Felix's booming voice cut in then, and I jumped from his demands. Aro raised a hand in simple warning to Felix, hushing him.

"You are eager to find the one responsible but please, let us hear all there needs to be said from Isabella." Aro chided and then waved to me to continue.

"After he admitted the truth to me, I felt relieved to know that someone… someone as beautiful and striking as him, wasn't human." I licked my lips in a moment of pause, noting how my heart and stomach both sank at the memories of him appeared. It still hurts to think of him.

"You're in love with this vampire." Jane cooed, though nothing in her face told me she was still happy as again, he broke their rule and in their eyes the coven were still criminals that needed to be dealt with.

I blushed but nodded my head in answer her statement.

"An utterly dangerous situation that a human could put themselves into. It's a miracle the boy didn't kill you outright." Alec regarded out loud.

"I was half-expecting him to eat me…" I mumbled, looking away in embarrassment as they all had heard me and gave out little chuckles at it.

"Please do continue though, I feel there is more to this story." Aro pressed, looking down at me after he had gotten his chuckles out.

"He did all he could to try and push me away after I had found out. He wanted to protect me from this world, urged me that he was dangerous and I could be dead in the blink of an eye; I wouldn't even notice if he had tried. But I held no fear for his true nature. I knew he wouldn't harm me – he had ample opportunities to do so in the short time we've known each other. If he really wanted to kill me, he would've done so before he came out with the truth. Whether he held the same feelings that I had for him or not, he relented and let me into his world. I gained all the knowledge I yearned to know from him. He told me all about how he came to be – which since you told me you know who Carlisle is, then I'll just skip over that detail. I was fascinated with their world the more I spent time with him, and he did everything in his power to keep my safety in check." I slowly lifted the arm that held in the infamous scar, for this next part of the explanation.

"I almost was one of you." I started again, showing the crescent bump that sat on my wrist. Aro stared down at in slight awe, letting a finger rise up to trace the scar that was still cold on my skin. "A group of nomads came one day when I was spending time with him and his family, and one refused to let up on his hunt for me. It was a wild goose chase that ultimately failed and he still entrapped me – all part of his game. He nearly killed me with how much I was tossed around. And the nomad's bite nearly killed me as I knew he wanted to drink from me when the vampire that promised to protect me from anything, had been tossed aside for only a moment. The nomad's venom began to burn me when they ripped the ravenous creature off of me. Carlisle and the members of his family that had came to my rescue tried to save me, but none of his normal medical methods were working when they found out I had been bitten. So, Carlisle merely gave a choice to the vampire that I had been enthralled with; either he was to let the venom continue its course and I join the immortal world, or he would suck the venom out to save my mortality."

"His rescue attempt nearly killed me too, but he managed to rip himself away from me in time… whether it is something I should be thankful for, or resent him for it, that I don't know what the right answer is." I grumbled the last bit a bit begrudgingly.

"It would seem Carlisle and his coven had quite the taking to you little Isabella. Ever so fascinating, I'd never believe that he and his vampires would be so compelled…" Aro trailed off, smiling wistfully.

"If this boy loved you so much, then where is he? I recall you saying they had left this area, thus leaving you vulnerable to the torture this mongrel had inflicted onto you." Heidi cut in then, glaring distastefully down at the body when it was mentioned.

"Well…" I began to stumble over my words then. Aro looked down at me with sympathetic eyes, as if somehow silently understanding.

"Something disastrous occurred, I assume?" he then asked, and I gulped in some air.

"My birthday… I was completely careless in opening a present that gave me a nasty cut. It was bad enough to draw blood – and one of their members was still relatively new to their lifestyle of drinking blood. He still held some newborn bloodlust… and he couldn't help his reaction to my cut. I was saved by the vampire who loved me, but in turn of his saving I was thrown across the room and crashed into glass vases that ultimately caused more cuts and bleeding to occur. Their natural reaction to the smell of my blood, and how much had appeared from the impulsive save, was enough to scare my once vampire lover…" I balked on the statement lover. But I pressed on.

"So… he ultimately made the decision to have him and his coven leave the area. It was just days after my birthday. To say I was devastated and heartbroken is an understatement, but there was nothing I could do or say to change his mind. I was catatonic shortly after, refusing to eat and felt like there was no reason for me to continue living – but… Jacob here sought me out to give me his own brand of "comfort" … and well that's really it up to this point." I stuttered out the end of my tale. I may of glossed over every single detail but really they only needed a synopsis of just how involved I was with their world. Each one took in my brief story of knowing the truth, and nodded.

"I still question this boy's name of the Olympic Coven. He is the first and main one to tell you this secret. He should have known better to reveal our world to you." Felix brought up his earlier demand of a name, glancing over at me expectantly. I nodded my head.

"Edward." The name was gut-wrenching to admit out loud. My heart ceased briefly, and my eyes began to prick with tears.

Aro noticed and suddenly pulled me into a gentle hug. I heard a hiss of surprise (possibly from Renata) while I at first was stiff in shock. Again, everything right now seems so… off, with this current situation I'm in. I thought briefly.

But, the hug felt so… it felt so warm and caring. I haven't been hugged with such love and gentleness in a long time. Jacob never hugged me with actual affection, and my dad was too awkward in expressing his feelings that he rarely hugged me fully. When he had found me that night after I had been abandoned, his hug was one that I couldn't return despite me sobbing a baby and seeking comfort. His hug that night still held the awkward Charlie charm that I had inherited.

Aro's embrace was something that I've been craving and needing for a month. And that's when my sobs suddenly bubbled past my lips and I returned the hug as tightly and as carefully as I could; from how much Renata was glued to Aro's back, I could tell she wasn't comfortable with her master having such close physical contact with someone. I didn't know if she had a power or anything, but I could only assume she was important to Aro's safety. She grunted out a noise in discomfort when I returned Aro's hug. I could also hear small noises of surprise from the other vampires around us.

Aro whispered and cooed to me while I cried, comforting me. He spoke in a different language, gently talking to me and smoothing my hair.

"This is very confusing…" I heard Demetri's muttering about the suddenness of this.

"Dear Isabella, fret no more please." Aro began to speak then after we pulled away from one another. He raised aged and papery fingers to my cheeks, wiping away the tears that stained my face. I sniffled and gazed up at him, feeling like a little child who had tripped and fell before running to her parents seeking aid and comfort as I would blubber out my wails of pain. He looked down at me with such affection and kindness; it caused me to gain a tiny smile in appreciation.

"I thank you for telling me all that you know of our world, and all that I need to know. I feel now is the time for action, and I know what must be done. I did come here to settle business personally myself – and to be perfectly truthful, this business involved you." I gaped openly at him, causing him to pause momentarily. His guard also was surprised at this admission.

"What? Master, why did you not tell us this?" Heidi questioned in disbelief, gazing at him wide-eyed. Jane growled at her minutely and she balked, bowing to apologize.

"My apologies dear guard but I had to keep this a secret. I already knew of this little mortal before us, merely from Trinity. There is something that is of great importance that has befallen us, but it is fairly messy to start the telling of what is really occurring within our world. Such admissions that Isabella has given to us, that I did not know. But, our time here now should be spent wisely so I am now ordering a new course of action. Alec, Jane, Demetri and Felix – I am giving you the task to track down Carlisle, Edward and the rest of his coven. They are still to be dealt with but I want them to personally come to our domain. Please ensure that all of the Olympic Coven are accounted for and escorted personally to Volterra. Heidi and Renata my sweets, you two will be accompanying me and Isabella as we are all heading back to Italy together." He ordered to the group.

"May I make a request?" I squeaked and I felt several eyes whipping their burning gazes over to me.

"Name it and I shall do my best to grant it, little Isabella." Aro relented gently.

"May I please at least leave a note for my dad? I wouldn't tell him the truth of where I am going but, I'd like to ask leave him something so he doesn't worry." I murmured, biting my bottom lip.

It felt… well it felt weird truthfully in the fact here I am with a group of human-blood drinking vampires that should've already killed me. Their bloodlust had to be out of control right now in the fact that I'm an animated blood bag, begging to be taken and drank from. It's dark humor, of course, but it was nothing but the truth. Everything within my natural instincts that is my human nature was screaming at me that this was dangerous. I shouldn't be here right now, alive and breathing. But looking at my track record, I look danger in the face and laugh at it. I run towards danger. A danger magnet, as… as Edward would've put it. It was just all the more reason that I wasn't a normal human.

But, by this point, I had spent a decent amount of time with these vampires. Once again, if they really wanted to kill me they wouldn't have hesitated or waited so long. Or really, after I had done my best to explain everything of how I've come to known this world that's been laid at my mortal feet, they would've done the deed so to speak. But they didn't.

I felt I was going to be part of some bigger scheme that I didn't know where it would lead. Whether it would lead to my death or not, I don't know.

I've been so alone for this past month. I've been isolated, beaten and abused, taken advantage of against my will, forced into situations I didn't want. I've been kept from my friends, my parents. I've hit my lowest point in my existence with no one and nothing to keep me grounds, protected and safe. I had nothing.

The minute Aro hugged me I could feel my heart jump briefly. Not with fear, but with hope and love. It felt like I was being cared for finally, after so long of my personal hell.

I was taking the comfort where I could get it, even if my future was still in the dark of where I'd exactly end up.

"Of course little Isabella, I think we'll have time in our schedule to let you do that." Aro's agreement to my request broke me from my thoughts. I looked up at him and nodded my head in thanks.

The four guard members that he had ordered to carry out their task, gathered together and bowed before Aro and I, where Heidi stood behind me and Renata still remained attached to her master's back.

"We shall begin tracking down the coven for you Master. Once we find them and make them aware of their fault, we will bring them Volterra as quickly as possible." Demetri promised, and Aro nodded his head to the four. Then they turned on their heels in the opposite direction and in the blink of an eye they disappeared. I glanced back up at Aro who smiled at me.

"I arrived here in my truck so I hope it is fine if I separate from you all." I murmured quietly and Heidi chuckled at my embarrassment.

"It is quite alright, dear little one. I believe we can all run and follow you back to your home. Master, shall little Isabella leave everything behind? I am certain you want to leave as little room for any chances of a firestorm occurring within today's media of news." Heidi purred to Aro while I broke briefly from our small pack and began heading back in the direction of my truck. I remember I didn't take anything but the pills and the water, with my keys still in the pocket of my jeans. I also realized we were leaving behind the body that was Jacob. I didn't know at first if they were going to do anything to dispose of him. But I guess they had probably decided to leave him there – to let him rot. I wasn't sure if other people would find that spot and see the body, but it didn't matter anymore.

He is gone. I am finally safe from him.

Aro made a noise behind me as they followed me with ease. I entered the thicket of the trees on the path back to my truck and that is when Aro finally spoke up.

"I will leave the decision ultimately up to little Isabella on that matter. If she has anything of importance that she wants to bring, that is her choice. However she would like to carry out her plans of goodbye to her father, I will do all I can to fill the needs she may need back in Volterra – clothes, food, toiletries and the like." He rattled off behind me. The mention of "saying goodbye" to my father, made this decision strike me with finality of the choice that I was making.

I knew I would break at the sadness of the thought of possibly never seeing my dad again. It made my heart wrench and tighten really. I never was able to be openly affectionate to Charlie before – we were both too socially awkward that expressing our emotions matched our nature to stumble over words and share weird small hugs. That was about as affectionate as we could get and let the other one we still loved them. I loved him dearly nonetheless. I kept the secrecy of the abuse I was suffering by Jacob's hand, to myself in order to protect him. I didn't know if Jacob's threat held any weight, but I cared for my human father's safety with my own life. Besides, the isolation and mental abuse I had been dealt, kept me from going to him for protection. But, the thought of him still finding whatever note I was about to come up with, and being devastated by its details – the mental image of the scene did make me tear up a bit.

But I had suffered through enough pain for far too long. As I said before I was seeking comfort wherever I could get it from – even if that comfort was come a coven of human-blood drinking vampires. They ultimately needed me for something but whatever that would lead to in the end, I did not know. I was going to be a selfish creature even if this would result in my death.

A wry smile came upon my face then. I still ruefully wondered if the psychic could see my decisions in this moment as I was deciding to go on a death wish with Aro and his coven. I wondered if he was watching these visions… I shook my head at the end. It didn't matter. I would be facing them again as Aro was gathering them up to come to this Volterra of theirs – their home turf.

I will let the chips fall into place and see where this will take me.

Aro and Heidi chatted with one another about plans they had for their coven behind me. I silently continued walking to my truck with them shadowing me. I was slightly calm in the fact Aro wasn't pressing me to talk to them. I enjoyed their amicable and mindless chatter behind me; it still brought me comfort that I wasn't alone here anymore.

Finally, we made it back to my truck. I opened the rusty door and looked back to the vampires who stopped beside me.

"We will be following behind you to your house little one." Aro reminded me and I nodded my head, taking a few deep breaths before I entered the cab of my truck. I started my truck and left the forest, knowing I had powerful creatures running through the trees alongside the road beside me.

I was ready for whatever lied ahead of me.

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A/N: There you have it, the first rewritten chapter of the old Angel of Life, now under a new name. I particularly disliked the title, so hopefully this new title is a bit more interesting or something along those lines.

Any feedback is always appreciated. I appreciate it even if this ever gets read.

Till the next chapter,

~Lady Eleanora