Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight and that certainly won't change in the near (or far away) future, so this applies for all the future chapters.

Note: So, here we are with the first real chapter. Shorter than the prologue, but I thought it was a good point to stop. I can't really guarantee for the length of the chapters, sorry.

And feel free to review, because I would like to know your opinion.

"speech"

'thoughts'

chapter 1

As Edward went out this night he knew he hadn't much time until he had to change location. He had been in LA for nearly a month. It was the longest he had stayed somewhere in the last year. Past experiences had shown him to never stay to long at one place.

He hated this life that others forced him into. Nearly all his life he had lived with his family and even his short interlude, when he tried another lifestyle, didn't prepare him for this life. He had always had his money; never had he to sleep on the streets or to look over his shoulders every moment. Even as human was he protected from these aspects of life.

He would need to change cities. Perhaps he could take the train this time and get a bit further. Away from the never changing shadow who is after him. Edward signed, but first feeding.

Because of his new diet and his mindreading ability he tried to eat not too often. But he would need every bit of strength, if he wanted to take the train.

The mind reader strolled through the city in the search of a new blood source. Absentminded he scanned the minds of the passersby. He was in search of a human who wouldn't be missed and for his own conscience someone who had already a death wish. Fortunately LA was full of homeless people who he could feast upon. Not 15 minutes into his walk he followed the thoughts of a girl who ran away from home a few years back. As he rounded the corner he could finally see her. She was young only in her early twenties and her clothes looked really rundown. But he supposed he couldn't judge, his own clothes didn't look any better. He had to be careful, because he had to steal the money for new clothes or sometimes a motel room. But it had to be a small robbery because all big things could bring unwanted (aka volturi) attention.

After being on lookout for any passersby he neared the girl. "Hello, have you a light?" he asked showing her his cigarettes. He had to get her away to the little alley a few paces behind her. He didn't need nor wanted the commotion if somebody saw him. When he was feeding he was vulnerable from the loud thoughts of his victim, he couldn't risk it. As she looked at him her eyes where glazed over. She had been taken drugs. Not the best conditions for him: In small amounts drugs were no problem, but had she taken too much he would be sluggish for a time, too. The vampire was indecisive. But the thoughts of a group coming their way took the decision of him. He needed to drink now, every second longer in this city was dangerous.

So assured she was too out of it to protest, he took her arm and pulled her in the alley.

Even with her drug use her heartbeat was going up, she knew something was wrong. But her protest dyed on her lips as she saw his face. It was not the first time his otherworldly beauty has fooled a human.

And without preamble Edward sank his teeth in the girl's neck. He moaned as her blood touched his tongue. Instantly he was bombarded with her thoughts. It was a little easier because of the drugs in her blood which now dulled his senses too. He allowed himself a little retrieve. But as his muscles were beginning to relax he became aware of the strange trail her thoughts were taking. He was not the first vampire she has met. No, she was beginning to remember a conservation not long ago, where a handsome guy with red eyes like himself asked about a 17 year old runaway with copper hair…

"Shit!" As she pictured the "older brother" there came a picture of HIM... 'HE WAS HERE!'

'He had to get out of here!', as he thought it, he heard a whizz in the air. Only in the last second he wrenched his head to the side and avoided the tranquilizer dart which indebted itself in the wall where he was only seconds before.

'Whoa, it must be special metal in the syringe to do that. Have to be extra careful to avoid them' thought Edward as he observed his surroundings. Even sluggish with the blood full of drugs, he saw the two shadows on top of the building. But not they had his attention but the figure which appeared at the end of the alley.

'HE is here...',

"Hello Edward."

"...Jasper".