A/N: Stephanie Meyer owns all characters. Sorry for the minor delay on the chapter. My beta's and partners in crime; Cullenlovingmom, Feralness and Life-in-the-shape-of-a-girl, I love you wonderful ladies like a fat kid loves cake. Shout out to Sandra for her awesome blip skillz. :)

Swansong for a Raven

I woke up to the sound of my alarm buzzing loudly in my ears. I groaned and stretched, feeling my muscles tense and my bones crack.

Great. Another day in the pathetic life of Bella Swan.

I hopped in the shower, hoping the warmth of the water would wash away my bad mood. It had almost been a week since I started my job at a publishing house as a junior editor. I was finally happy to do something that I loved with a passion. Books were my world. I was never an outgoing person so books had become my friends. They had always treated me well.

Unlike my colleagues.

I shook my head, trying to dismiss my thoughts. It didn't matter how they were treating me. I needed this job more than anything, and I wouldn't let my co-workers bring me down.

I searched my drawers for something to wear. It wasn't hard, since I owned so little clothing. Money was tight. I could barely pay for rent; let alone pay for clothing.

It was still early in the morning and when I left the apartment, cold air hit my face. I began walking to the bus stop. The streets were filled with people, I hung my head and continued walking swiftly. I didn't want to be late for work on my first week; I had enough problems already.

Just as I was a block away from the bus stop, I was bumped from behind. I fell, flat on the cold cement, with my knees hitting the sidewalk painfully. I let out a painful cry, while the impact itself caused my bag to fall from my shoulder, spilling everything inside on the ground.

Great! Just great!

"Watch where you're going!" I heard someone shout at me. I ignored them.

People continued walking past me, not even glancing in my direction. I sat on my knees and began shoving everything back in my bag. Tears welled up in my eyes, I stubbornly held them back. I refused to cry in the middle of a busy street. Brushing off my skirt, I quickly got to my feet, and looked at my watch. There was no doubt that I missed the bus.

This day just got even better and there goes the last of my cash, I thought as I searched the streets for a cab.

I was already late by the time I was able to hail a cab, and when I arrived at the front of the publishing house, I exited the cab quickly and entered the building. I looked at my watch again and groaned. I was thirty minutes late.

I stepped onto the elevator, praying that my boss wouldn't humiliate me in front of everyone. My heart started to race as the elevator ascended and I looked around to see if there was anyone I knew. There were three people besides me; two women and a man. The women were whispering, while occasionally glancing at me and snickering. I knew I wasn't looking my best after the meeting I had with the sidewalk, and I already knew that my hair was all over the place. I inspected my clothes to see if any dirt had remained on them. My skirt was still a bit dirty so I attempted to brushed it off. The snickers from the women grew louder. I lifted my head and glared at them, but from the looks on their faces, my desired effect was unsuccessful.

The elevator came to a slow halt, and the doors opened to reveal the face of Mike Newton. I tried to suppress my groan but it was inevitable. Hearing it, Mike's head lifted to my face and I swear his eyes were lit like a Christmas tree.

"Good morning Bella," he said with a smile on his face.

"Good Morning Mike." I tried to get past him, but he just turned around and walked alongside me.

"So Bella, you're late. What happened; had a little too much fun last night?" he asked, leaning toward me slightly.

"I don't think it's any of your business Mike." I tried to be polite and keep my tone calm but after what happened that morning, I had little patience for his continuous advances. I walked past him and headed to my desk, noting the amount of paperwork on top of it.

Great, I though with a grimace. Just what I need.

At that moment, I heard Jessica's distinct voice from behind me. "Bella, Tanya wants to see you in her office."

I bit back a groan, and tried to calm my nerves. Tanya Denali was my boss and from the moment she had hired me, she had proven herself to be nothing but a bitch.

"She isn't mad at me, is she?" It was a stupid question to ask, but I wasn't in the mood to argue or listen to her bicker at me.

"How would I know that, Bella?" She didn't even attempt to hide the sneer from her voice.

Since I'd started the job, everyone had treated me like I was the devil. I didn't take anyone's job, I didn't sleep around to get to where I was. Yet, everyone still seemed to treat me like a piece of garbage. I wondered if it was simply because I was fresh meat.

I started walking across the hall toward Tanya's office, aware that I looked like a homeless person. My skirt was ruffled and there was still dirt all over it. My hair was a mess, sticking out in every direction. I collected the events of the morning in my mind, ready to defend myself, if need be.

As I reached her door I tried to re-adjust my clothes one last time. Then, with a sigh, I knocked on her door and waited for her reply before entering.

"Good morning Bella," Tanya spoke, with a voice that was devoid of emotion. She was sitting behind her neatly arranged desk, typing furiously on her keyboard, without looking up at me.

"Hello Tanya." My own voice came out as a whisper.

"Would you like to tell me why you were late this morning?" She averted her eyes from the monitor, and locked them with mine.

I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt, suddenly feeling even more nervous. Her blue eyes were cold and calculating; they watched my every move.

"I missed the bus today, because I was knocked over. I had to take a cab instead," I whispered, my eyes glued to the floor. I shifted my feet, and waited for her response.

"I can see that. You look like a mess." Her tone was flat.

It wasn't my fault that I was late.

"Bella, this is a respected and well-known publishing house. People would kill to have a job here. Yet here you are, late for work in your first week." She continued to look at me with those cold, blue eyes.

"I know and I'm so sorry Tanya. It won't happen again, I promise you." The determination in my voice surprised me. I blinked the tears away. I would not cry in front of my boss.

"We'll see Bella. You can go now." She dismissed me with a wave of her hand.

Bitch.

I turned on my heels and walked out of her office. What was wrong with these people? I had been nothing but pleasant to them, yet they were all treating me like I was some kind of dog. Tears started to pool in my eyes again, I hurried to the bathroom. Looking quickly inside, I found it empty, so I sat on one of the toilets and started to cry. This day was starting to become one of my worst. I sat there for ten minutes, crying quietly and wondering what I had done to be treated the way I had this past week.

I came here, did my job, never argued with anyone, but all everyone did in return was treat me like a piece of shit. But, I refused to completely break down. I needed this job, I was barely living with the salary I was getting. If I quit or was fired, I would likely be living on the streets. I would definitely lose my apartment.

It was times like these that I really wished my mother was here with me...

The sounds of high heels clicking on the floor interrupted my thoughts. I stayed rooted in place; there was no way I was going to be seen like this. Wiping the tears with the back of my hand, I waited for who ever it was to finish what they were doing.

"Can you believe the nerve she has?" The nasally voice of Lauren Mallory filled the bathroom. She was another junior editor in the company and she'd been downright nasty to me, from my very first day.

"I don't know Lauren, she was looking pretty roughed up." The second person was Jessica.

"Please, don't be so naive Jess. She was probably drunk and sucking face with a complete stranger last night. I bet that's why she was late for work." Lauren laughed out loud.

I wondered who they were talking about? Surely it wasn't me, right?

"I heard she hooked up with Mike Newton last night." Jessica's voice was little more than a whisper.

The obnoxious laughter of Lauren filled the bathroom.

"Please, no one would even look at Bella Swan; let alone hook up with her." Both were giggling like a pair of teenage girls.

I gasped and brought my hand to my mouth, positive that my eyes were as wide as saucers. They were talking about me!

A fresh round of tears started to pour down my face, while I tried to understand why they would say such things about me.

I tried to stop crying, though my hands were beginning to shake.

What have I done to them? Why were they talking like this? I was of no importance to them. I was just a girl who worked with them.

I waited until they had left the bathroom before I left my safe haven. I looked in the mirror and grimaced when I saw my reflection. My cheeks were tear streaked, my eyes were puffy and red, and my hair was even more disheveled.

I washed my face, trying to calm myself, while wondering again why everyone was so mean to me. I cursed my financial troubles, wishing I had enough money so that I could shove this job in their faces.

I pulled my hair into a pony tail, not bothering to apply more make up. Then I stood and took a few deep breaths to calm myself. I would endure this; there was no other option.

Maybe if I ignored them, they would leave me alone.

Opening the door slowly, I left the bathroom and headed back to my desk.

"Bella, we're going to lunch, would you like to come?" Mike's voice brought me out of my focus. I rose my head to meet his gaze. His eyes were glued on my chest.

"I'm sorry, I can't Mike. I still have chapters to read." There was no way I was going out with Mike, not after what Lauren said.

"Oh." He was unable hide the disappointment from his voice.

"Well, I'll leave you to it then."

I buried myself in my work, while trying not to think about the events of today. The chapters had provided a much needed distraction. It didn't last long though.

"Bella, Jessica and I are going to lunch. Could you read over these for me?" Lauren spoke in a hurry and dropped the papers on my desk. They made a loud noise as they hit the table. I started from the sound, and when I looked up, I saw the back of Lauren walking quickly toward the exit.

What the hell just happened?

I looked at the massive amount of papers in front of me. There was no way I was going to be able to have lunch and finish all of this as well.

Before I was aware, she had dumped all of her days work on me. And I, Bella Swan, said nothing. I couldn't even form a sentence.

What the hell was wrong with me? Why was I always letting people boss me around – treat me like crap? I wasn't a pushover.

Yeah, right.

I shook my head, nothing else mattered now. If I let these people treat me like a slave, there would be no turning back.

Not wanting to think about it at that moment, I continued to work through lunch. My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I still hadn't eaten anything. Just as I placed one lot to the finished pile, I heard Tanya's voice.

"Bella, didn't you take your lunch break?"

"No I didn't. I have to finish my chapters and then, I have to do Lauren's." I didn't bother hiding the anger from my voice.

"Lauren? Why are you doing Lauren's work?"

"I was here before she went to lunch, so she asked me to do them," I answered with a shrug.

"Why in the world did you agree on that Bella?" I looked up and saw the confusion in her face.

"Well, to be honest, she didn't ask, she just dropped the papers and left without waiting for a response." I blushed and hung my head.

Tanya sighed and leaned on my desk. "Bella, look at me. You can't let people tread on you like this. Especially people like Lauren. You are an adult Bella. You won't be successful if you keep on going like this."

I felt like a child.

"I know, Tanya, but before I could say anything, she had walked out of the office." I tried to again blink back tears, but I wasn't successful.

When Tanya saw them rolling down my cheeks, she stood upright. "There is no reason to cry Bella, but if you let her walk over you now, you'll have to deal with the consequences later on."

I was sure the shock was evident on my face. I looked at her questioningly.

Tanya, sensing my confusion, spoke with a cold voice,"You need to finish Lauren's work today."

I wasn't able to hold onto my anger any longer. She still expected me to do someone else's work!

"Why should I, Tanya?" I glared at her.

"Because you let people walk over you Bella. Maybe you'll learn your lesson this time. Don't allow people to treat you like crap and stop being so naive!"

Without waiting for a response, she turned around on her perfect Christian Louboutins and walked away. I sat in my chair, dumbfounded.

I got up and headed to the break room. I needed coffee and I needed it now. I Grabbed a mug, and poured a coffee. The smell instantly cleared my thoughts.

I was enjoying a little peace, when I heard Mike's voice close behind me.

"Hey there Bella, whatcha doin?" He stood a little too close to me, dropping his voice to nothing but a whisper.

I let out a shriek and turned so fast that I spilled my coffee over his shirt. He screamed and began shouting obscenities.

Serves you right, asshole.

"What the hell Mike? Why are you sneaking up on me like that!" I put my mug on the table and glared at him. He was in the midst of taking his shirt off.

"What's wrong with you Bella? Look at my shirt!" There was a huge coffee stain on it. He turned and walked out of the room.

I'm about to go postal.

I hurried back to my desk and continued working on the papers.

By the time I finished, it was dark. Most of the people in the office had gone home. I sat in my chair, enjoying the silence, then stood up and stretched. My whole body ached in protest. My stomach rumbled again, it sounded loud in the empty office. I grabbed my coat and bag, and I walked to the elevators. Remembering that it was Friday, I grinned lazily. I was looking forward to going home and losing myself in my books. But first, I had to eat.

Cold air assaulted me as soon as I opened the doors. The city was covered in white.

It's snowing!!

Even after the day I had, I still was able to smile. I turned my face to the sky and inhaled deeply, through my nose. The cold air burned my lungs as I sighed in relief. The streets were full of people. I buttoned up the front of my coat and started walking. Most people would take a cab or a bus in a weather as cold as this, but I needed to think about today. Plus, having spent the last of my cash for the cab this morning, I wasn't able to afford one home.

I walked in a slow pace, taking my time, watching the lights reflect on the icy ground. It gave the city a dark but magical look. After what had happened this morning, I was more careful of where I was going and avoided bumping into people.

After walking a couple of blocks, I began to have a strange feeling. Like someone was watching me. I looked around, trying to shake the feeling. There was no one in sight, but that didn't alleviate my fear. My heart started beating faster and my palms went clammy.

I stepped up my pace while remaining careful, as the ground was icy. Off in the distance, I heard a soft, musical laugh. I whipped my head around to see the source of it, but was met with an empty alleyway.

I could have sworn that I'd heard a laugh.

Just as I was about to start walking again, I felt the pressure of someone grip my arm. Before I could scream, a palm covered my mouth. I tried to kick my legs, to defend myself from the attacker but there was no longer solid ground beneath my feet. I felt like I was flying. I tried to see around me, but everything was a blur. I began hyperventilating, my head was spinning.

Before I could process what was going on, my body was pinned to a wall and I was suddenly face to face with my attacker.

The first thing I noticed about him was his eyes. They were blood red. He had black hair that was straight and long, and fell down over his shoulders. His nose was crooked, nostrils flared. I tried to speak – scream – but my voice was gone. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

"There is no use in trying to fight me off, it will be futile." His voice was deep and confident.

Trying to reason with him, I spoke with a trembling voice, "Please, don't hurt me! Here take my bag, but don't hurt me please!"

I tried to shove my bag in front of his face, but my arms were pinned to the wall along with the rest of my body.

He chuckled quietly, finding my desperation amusing.

"I don't need anything from your bag. I need something from you," he said quietly.

I let out a whimper then started crying. "No, please no! Just let me go, I won't go to the police, I promise!"

At this point I would have tried everything to reason with him, but looking in his eyes, my resolve started to crumble. I saw nothing but death.

He brought his nose to my face, inhaling deeply. My body trembled with fear. He slowly moved to my neck and kissed my pulse point lightly. Bile rose to my throat, as my stomach lunged painfully.

"Why are you doing this to me? What are you?"

He lifted his head to look into my eyes. Then he spoke the words that sealed my fate, "I am neither good nor bad. Neither angel nor devil. I am a man. I am a vampire."

While I tried to absorb his words, I felt a euphoria wash over me. Suddenly his mouth was on my neck. I heard- as well as felt- my skin barely protest as he punctured my skin. As he sucked the blood from me, I could feel the life leaving my body. My head was spinning, black spots were swimming in front of my eyes. Yet never in my life, had I felt so euphoric.

Before the darkness consumed me, I heard his last words.

"Welcome to my world, my childe."

E/N: "I am neither good nor bad. Neither angel nor devil. I am a man. I am a vampire." This is a quote from the book I, Vampire by Michael Romkey. So, what do you think? Let me know.

So, I have a few rec's for you today.

Bella Down Under by Feral and Ferla

Dear Bella by wytchwmn75

Mangifera Indica by Life-in-the-shape-of-a-girl

The Consequences of Redemption by cullenlovingmom

Check out these stories and please leave some love to the wonderful ladies.

See you next Sunday.