A/N: Thank you to my 2 reviewers! Reviews mean everything to me, really. Please, don't hesitate to tell me if you like it or not!

Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to the lovely and talented Stephenie Meyer.

That night, Anna had a dream about her mysterious Demetri. Not that she had any sort of claim on him, not in the least. She just felt inexplicably drawn to him. Of course, she had been drawn to him the same way a few years ago when she let him, a complete stranger… a gorgeous stranger, but a stranger, nonetheless, kiss her neck, caress her face… and she never even let guys she knew get that far with her.

She had thought that night to have been a dream for the longest time but seeing him again made it more real. And before, she had no name to put to the angelic face that consumed her every thought but now she did… Demetri. The way it rolled off her tongue was marvelous. Anna had never been a person to particularly covet things but oh how she coveted him. She couldn't help it. It was an uncontrollable desire that she had never before experienced in her life.

For weeks, the dreams continued. Every night she was visited by those haunting red eyes and that smooth, velvet voice. His cold touch… it was almost like she could feel it. And, embarrassing as it was, things got a lot further between the two of them than they actually had in real life and for some reason, when she woke up feeling all hot and bothered, she couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if her dream ever came true.

But she wasn't the only one who was feeling hot and bothered at night. In the confines of his quarters, Demetri's thoughts constantly wondered to the little vixen he'd met twice so far. He was very attuned to her mind. He could sense it from halfway around the world, he'd wager. And her scent… it still lingered in the clothes he wore when he ran into her just a little over a month and a half ago. And it wasn't just her scent that he missed.

It was her. The way she called for him, even despite the warning he'd given her. The desperation in her voice… a human wouldn't have been able to notice but the gifts Demetri had as a vampire allowed him to interpret her tone as nothing but that: desperation. For him, for her to see him again after he'd run off.

"Coward." he muttered under his breath.

The most gorgeous guy on the planet and he was stressing over a mere human girl. He'd never cared much for humans. Thought them to be trivial creatures, he did. Lived their lives in mediocrity, half the time not even having the courage to go after what they really wanted. He was lucky he couldn't remember his human life very clearly. It gave him the advantage of not having any sympathy whatsoever for the insignificant lives he took every day to keep himself alive, if that's what he and the rest of his vampire "family" were. But lately…

He didn't particularly like to dwell on the fact that lately, feeding had been difficult. He used go by instinct and the moment Heidi came in with their meal, he'd be done with the first two that walked inside before the rest even had a chance to realize what was going on or scream. But every female he'd consumed in the past few weeks took on her features, her voice, her screams… And it made things that much harder for him. And then he started to wonder about the peoples' families.

How much they missed their lost loved ones and had to live with never knowing for sure the horror that came upon them. But it was necessary. It was just proving to be more difficult than it ever had been for him and all because of that stupid little…

Demetri sighed, something he'd been doing a lot of lately. He should have killed her when he had the chance and be done with it. It still wasn't too late, he could track her down and end it so quickly. He would make her feel pain, though. She would suffer for what she was doing to him. He was capable of sparing his meals the pain of being fed upon by killing them swiftly before beginning his feast but not on her. For all the trouble she had been causing him lately, merely by existing, she deserved some sort of retribution on his part.

Just then, he sensed Heidi's mind approaching his room. Great, he thought. Just what I need. Hell, maybe it is.

He knew that she was right outside his door, hesitating for fear of being rejected, and he knew that she knew he knew. He also knew that her mind had gone from being conflicted to determined as she walked inside and sat on one of the sofas in his room across from him.

"What are you doing here, Heidi?" he asked, not meaning to sound as cruel as he did. He just wanted to be alone. Could no one see that?

She smiled meekly. "I want you back, Dem. I miss the fun we used to have. I know it was a while ago but…"

"But it seems like yesterday you and I were in this bed." he said coolly, gesturing to his large and elaborate sleeping arrangement.

If she could blush, she would have. "Yes. I haven't taken on another lover since you and Chelsea is frustrated by my attraction to you. If I could just quench it, just one last time… I think I can let you go." her voice broke at the end.

Demetri looked at her and how attractive she was. He sure as hell needed a distraction from that puny human that kept entering his thoughts. Maybe a night with a goddess would make him realize that that was exactly what he needed. A goddess for a god and not a god for a human.

He allowed his eyes to smolder her. He would let himself enjoy tonight because he knew from experience that Heidi could bring him great pleasure in the physical regard but not so much emotionally. In fact, he had never once felt an emotional attachment during sex. Not once. But here was one of the most beautiful vampires (vampires, not women because that girl still entered his mind) in the world. Was he really just going to pass that up? And if she left him alone after… well, then it was a win-win situation for the both of them.

Maybe he could even imagine it was her. Damn it, stop it, Demetri! Forget her!

With that, he nearly pounced on Heidi, ripping her clothes off and attacking her on the bed. She was ecstatic at his excitement and returned the favor and although it was definitely a pleasurable distraction, nothing could stop his mind from placing Anna's face over Heidi's and nothing stopped him from crying out her name instead of the woman beneath him. But she was far too elated to notice. Damn lucky vampire.

Once they were finished, he rolled off of her and snarled ever so slightly. He couldn't believe it. He actually felt guilty. And not for using Heidi, no, he could care less about her. But he actually felt remorse for committing this act with her when his Anna was just a few miles within reach. His Anna… A small smile played about his lips. It would certainly be nice if she were his. If he could change her for himself and keep her, forever. And then he frowned as he realized he was acting like a lovesick schoolboy.

He couldn't even have sex with her while she was a human. He would kill her. Although, he did recall that Cullen, the mind reader, who managed to do so but look where that got them! Parents of a mutant spawn who was in love with a dog. Life at the Cullens seemed like a soap opera sometimes. But they were happy. And if there was something that Demetri lacked, it was happiness. Sure, he got pleasure out of his job, protecting the laws of his world but nearly everyone else had a mate. He could feel so alone sometimes but it wasn't such a bad thing. He liked being alone. And Heidi knew that so, with a blown kiss, she left him to his thoughts, her mind much calmer than it was when she first had entered.

In that moment, he wondered if being away from Anna was half as hard as it was for her to be away from him. He would find out for sure, even if it meant enduring the burn of his throat and the desire he had for her blood in her presence.

That day, Anna was off from work. She worked at the local library in Volterra where the head of the library taught her Italian in exchange for her hours spent there. She even made some money on the side and it was enough to keep her quaint little studio apartment as well as afford the necessities. After all, what could she expect being an American who came to Italy on a whim a few years ago? She remembered it like it was yesterday when she first saw Volterra. It drew her in, much like… but she wouldn't dare speak his name.

It had been weeks since she'd seen him and he became more of an illusion than a reality. Surely there was something in the water in Volterra that would make her hallucinate. What happened to her couldn't have possibly been real and yet she knew that it was. Real, oh so real and so sweet.

Anna had promised herself that she would seek him herself if he would not seek out her but her lack of courage got the best of her. There were other dangers in the streets of Volterra at night that did not involve inhuman beauties. How many times had she heard of robberies and such? No, she would not expose herself to those kinds of threats. She just wished that he would come back. She would give absolutely anything…

Stop it, Anna. He's not some Prince Charming who is going to show up at your doorstep and sweep you off your feet. He growled at you! Normal people don't do that.

She sighed. Then why do I feel this way about an abnormal person? If he even was a person…

Out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn she saw something sparkle by the clock tower but by the time she turned around to look, the gleam was gone and she continued her shopping in the market, completely unaware of the pair of dark black eyes following her every move.

He would wait until nightfall to make himself known to her again. This time, it would be deliberate. He wanted her to see him again, to see her reaction. Would she be frightened? Or would she be thankful, grateful to him for having spared her life? Although… he hadn't fed in a few days and was mighty thirsty but he figured if he was going to kill her, he would want to enjoy it and being thirsty would guarantee that. Not that he intended on killing her, of course. Just in case.

He really was becoming love's slave, if love is what he felt for the girl. He'd even begun writing poetry. The most feared member of the Volturi guard, the most talented tracker on the planet, and he was writing poetry. For a human. Love poems. He recalled his latest one.

Oh my love, full of joy

Take my heed

Fall not for the ploy

One breath, one kiss

Like a fire's roar

Things go amiss

You'll join me

Amore

True, the poem was about her impending death or immortality but there was love laced in there. After all, only such a feeling could make him turn into a love-sick puppy. Now he knew how Heidi felt, chasing him after all these years. However, after last night, he noticed her gravitating more towards Felix, which brought him joy. Two of his friends, finding love together. Great. Now everyone had a pairing except for him.

What if she screamed again when she saw him? It would break his heart, even if it already was dead.

Anna made her way home with all the groceries she had bought and it was already dark but, her hands full of groceries, she hadn't turned on the lights yet. Once she put the bags down and flipped the switch, she froze and saw him sitting ever so still in her chaise chair. His eyes, black instead of red, just as capable of making her melt inside. She dropped the keys she was holding and leaned against the door. Her wish had actually come true. He was here. He had come back for her.

"Demetri." she said, her voice filled with surprise and happiness at the same time.

He smiled when he heard his name come from her luscious mouth, the sweet honey of her breath reaching him quickly. He dug his nails into the arm of her chair, ripping the fabric a little, to keep from lunging at her. He bared his teeth, however, involuntarily and confusion swept across her face. He reigned in the bloodlust and stood up.

"Miss Harding." He replied curtly, not wanting to frighten her. And then he smiled. "You're not running."

"I have a feeling if I tried, it wouldn't be much of a challenge for you." she replied sheepishly.

"No, it wouldn't. But there must be another reason."

"I…" she gulped. "I don't want anything to do with you until you tell me what's going on." she told him, putting on a brave face.

And he laughed, dryly. "You want to know about me? Fine." And he was right in front of her, his cold, hard body pressed against her, his face buried in her neck taking in the delicious scent that was Anna. Her breath hitched as he restrained her arms and nuzzled her with his light brown hair. "I'm a vampire." And he knew he was breaking everything he had ever believed in but he didn't care. He just wanted her, wanted her to want him so badly that he owed her the truth before he could expect that of her. "No, not like the myths and legends. The real thing, my love. Speed and strength is at our disposal. And our preference for human blood."

Anna froze. "Don't worry, dear Anna. As much as it pains me… I don't think I could stand to see your body, cold and lifeless. Not that I haven't thought about it. It'd be so easy for me to kill you. One second. You wouldn't even see it coming. You humans are so fragile…" He slammed his fist against the door, causing pieces of wood to fly from it. "Why are you so damn fragile? Why do you smell so amazing?" he asked, his expression softening.

And she couldn't help but feel for him. "I'm sorry." she whispered. It was her fault he was in pain. She could hear it in his voice. But if she caused him pain, then why was he still around her? And so close to her? And then she recalled a certain part in his confession. My love, he had called her.

"Why did you call me your love?" she asked him, her eyes fluttering, her body trembling. Due to his cold temperature or their close proximity, neither of them were sure.

He pressed himself to her even closer and she mewled at him. The sound was music to his ears. His Anna desired him as much as he desired her.

"Please, stop…" she said, unsure of how he would react to those words. Immediately, to her surprise, he was on the other side of the room in under a second.

"I'm sorry, Miss Harding, I don't know what came over me. Forgive me." he murmured in a low, astonished voice. How could he be so damn stupid? He completely ruined any chances he had with her. He was too forward, it's just… most vampires didn't mind the forwardness. But he couldn't forget, his dear angel was a human.

Anna could see the turmoil in him and it saddened her to see him this way. She slowly and cautiously approached him.

"Hey, it's ok. I'm fine. I didn't ask you to stop because I wanted you to, I just don't know if you'll leave me again. It would hurt too much." She had barely mouthed the last part but Demetri heard all of it.

"Anna, I won't leave you. Not if you don't want me to." he said to her, lovingly stroking her hair and gazing into her eyes. The lust he found in them caused venom to pool in his mouth, the beat of her heart seeming ever more appealing to him. "I have to go."

"No!" she shouted, once again desperation seeping into her delicate voice. He laughed softly at her objection to his departure but knew that his remaining here would lead to her death and he couldn't let that happen.

He took her hands in his and she shivered at the contact. "Listen to me. I promise I'll return tomorrow evening."

"I don't know… why… that makes me happy. I don't know you. You nearly broke down my door with your fist and you say you're a vampire." she said skeptically.

"What, you don't believe me? Want me to show you?" he replied, baring his perfect white teeth yet again, his eyes looking menacing. He fought his instincts to reign himself back in. "I know it's a lot to take in but I can't ignore you anymore."

"What about your big, bulky friend?" she asked, timidly.

"Oh, Felix. He thinks you're dead and I'd like to keep it that way. If they find out you're not, you will be. So avoid the streets at night, if you can." he paused, concentrating heavily on something as his eyebrows furrowed. "Aro will find out soon enough. And then I'll have no choice…" he said, looking at her intently. "You'll make a fine immortal, Anna. So fine there's no chance they won't want to keep you."

Confusion once again filled her features. "They?"

He shook his head, pushing the subject to the back of his mind. "I'll explain tomorrow. I should get back before they follow my scent."

He moved quickly to her and kissed her hair. "Goodnight, my sweet."

"Demetri, I… sweet dreams."

He smiled back at her. Of you, yes they will be. Sweet like your blood… Oh, I really need to get out of here. With that, he was gone and Anna was left speechless.

So he wasn't human after all. A vampire. Huh. Who knew life in Volterra was going to be this exciting?

And he was so forward! Every touch, however, instilled desire in her, not fear. Not the rational fear that should have overcome her, once again, her gorgeous stranger turning her into putty in his skilled, cold hands. Something told her in the back of her mind that they wouldn't be strangers for long. She'd make a fine immortal? Whatever that meant. So… he could live forever? Good. She couldn't imagine a world without him, her midnight visitor. It made sense… she only saw him at night. But how did he know where she lived? Maybe… well, maybe he was just gifted. And he wanted her. Above all else, she knew that he wanted her.

Anna looked at the clock. Only twenty-four hours until she would see him again.

Only twenty-four hours, Demetri thought to himself. He could do it. And he knew that Aro would find out within the next few weeks about everything. About Anna, his betrayal, his obsession and… reluctant as he was to admit it, his love. Damn. Chelsea would be able to sense it, too. His loyalty to someone outside of the Volturi. Things were coming at him from all different directions and he had to work to make sense of it. Never in his hundreds of years had he been so confused.

Screw it all, it was more than love that held him to Anna. She was meant for him and he barely knew anything about her! They'd have to spend time getting to know each other. Of course, they had forever for that. But the pain it would cause her…

Three days of infernal burning, flames consuming every last trace of humanity a person had left. But he was selfish. He would ease her into it slowly. But now, now it was time to tell Aro.

With a heavy heart and, surprisingly, nerves, he entered the main room of the castle where Aro and his brothers awaited him.