Chapter 1:

I was having a dream. No, not a dream—more like a nightmare. Not even a new nightmare—this was the same nightmare I've had the misfortune of dreaming for quite awhile now. Even so, it was more terrifying and ghastly each time I dreamt it. And, as much as I wanted to awake from this nightmare, I simply could not. Therefore, I dreamt on.

The mist hanging amidst the trees was blinding me...I couldn't see the path before me...I was tripping...falling down...I could feel its breath on my neck...its teeth sinking into my flesh...the darkness closing in...death slowly taking me over...

"Nessie?" I awoke with a start. I was cradled in someone's arms. I instinctively knew who it was—I'd recognize that voice anywhere. "Are you all right?"

"Dad," I blinked my eyes and attempted to rub the dream away with both fists. "Where am I?"

"You're safe, darling." My father massaged the small of my back. "You had another nightmare."

"Thanks, Dad." I emptied his arms and sat beside him on the bed. It seemed no matter how mature I was, I would always be his little girl. "It's the same one you've been having for awhile," he said. It was impossible to control my shield in my sleep, and the expression on my dad's face was kind of smug. It sucked having a mind-reader for a father sometimes, but at least now I could control my waking thoughts. Others' thoughts however...

"I'm okay, really, dad. It's nothing." I gave him a smile and a small peck on his left cheek. "It's been a long day and night."

"I guess it has." He lifted his body from the bed and walked toward my bedroom door. Then, suddenly, he deeply inhaled. I could smell it, too.

"Someone's waiting outside your window. I think you probably have a good idea who it is."

"Yes." I gritted my teeth, anger beginning to build up inside me.

"I'll let you handle it then. Goodnight, Nessie." And like a flash, my dad was gone. A deliberately loud tap on my window startled me from behind. I turned, and there he was—Nahuel. I wanted to rip him apart and burn the pieces.

"Renesmee, can I come in? Please?" Without waiting for my answer, Nahuel began sliding open my window and climbing onto my bed.

"Nahuel, go home! I don't want to talk to you!" I jumped from the bed and stood as far away from him as I could.

"Renesmee, please, I need to know if you still love me—if you still want me." He was standing right beside me now. I could feel his cold, wet breath on my face.

"No, I don't want to see you ever again! Now, get away from me!" I screamed at him, attempting to push him away.

"You slept with him, didn't you? I can smell his dog stench all over you." Nahuel's strong arms had me pinned to the wall. He was so much stronger than me. I'd never been more frightened and helpless in my life.

"Yes, and I've chosen him!" I shouted, trying to break free from his paralyzing grasp. I lowered my shield and cried out for my dad's help. Get him out of here, dad! Before he hurts me! Again.

"You know, he won't live forever." Nahuel's voice was right under my ear, his breath on my neck. "He's going to die someday, and you'll be all alone." I was blinded by his remark. I couldn't breathe, and I was falling, sinking to the floor. My heart pounded in my chest. I heard his foggy voice like an echo in my head, "Choose me instead. I'll be here...forever." Everything in the room drifted into a haze. It was almost like an out-of-body experience. All I could remember was a loud boom...the earsplitting sound of shattering glass...a thud. Whatever had occurred didn't sound hopeful...the blackness closed in on me...and everything fell...silent.

"Nessie?" A sweet voice called out to me from amongst the darkness. "It's okay. Nahuel's run away. Are you hurt?" I opened my eyes. Jacob's concerned eyes peered down at me. He was like a dream. I immediately flung my arms around his neck and buried my face in his chest, tears overflowing my eyes. I could never lose him.

"Thanks for saving her." Jacob was now speaking to someone else. I released myself from his embrace, and looked up to see my father and my mother standing beside us. I was astonished.

"A little fear will do him some good." My dad was mildly amused, assisting Jake in helping me off the floor. "Are you all right, darling?"

"I'm fine." As I stood up, I noticed the entire room was a wreck—shards of glass were scattered everywhere, my piano was smashed to bits, and my bed was snapped in two. "What did you do, dad?"

"Let's just say you won't have to worry about him anymore. Your dad can be very convincing," my mother retorted. They all howled with laughter, but I didn't get the punchline. Then, my dad put his hand on Jacob's shoulder and smiled at him. I'd never seen my dad like this with Jake—they were almost friendly. Jacob turned to me, and we shared an awkward glance. I hoped he wasn't thinking what I thought he was thinking...or Jacob might be the one thrown out the window next time.