Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait, not just with this story, but with how long it's taking to update any story. I swear I'm trying, but I just can't seem to write much these days. Hopefully, this chapter turned out okay.

Chapter 3

A silently sullen Bella was introduced to Nettie and Lucy, who were basically Maria's right hands, as well as a few other vampires that made up the Mexican Coven, Ricardo included. And while everyone seemed to be completely dedicated to Maria, Maria seemed to view everyone save for Nettie and Lucy as disposable. Bitterly, Bella realized that she was in the same category as the majority of the vampires. Maria simply viewed Bella as a disposable plaything, and nothing more.

After the introductions were made, Maria then took Bella back into Maria's private chambers to give Bella a summary of what the newborn should and shouldn't do, as well as a history lesson. Apparently there had once been newborn wars, where vampires would change humans to simply send them into battle in an effort to take over and control new territories. Then Maria went right to bragging.

"I was one of the best of the best, back then," Maria murmured, a distant look in her eyes as she remembered how things used to be. As she spoke, she stroked Bella's thigh almost distractedly, and while Bella didn't move, she was clearly uncomfortable, although turned on, by the contact. "However, things became too wild and showy among me and the other vampires desiring power, and the Volturi were going to get involved. I had to destroy the majority of my army or risk being destroyed myself."

Bella kept quiet, soaking in the information, wondering if there was a way she could use the new knowledge against Maria at some point in the future.

"Of course, I wasn't about to give everything up. Now I'm rebuilding my coven, although I make sure to stay secretive. No big armies or slaughtering a village's worth of people. But I will keep my coven strong and kill any vampire that dares to go against us." There was a bright light in Maria's eyes then, a look of glee. But then the light faded, and she gave Bella a knowing, seductive look, smirk included. "You will be a part of this, as you should have already guessed."

Bella stiffened at Maria's remark and almost opened her mouth to reply with a scathing retort. Then she realized how stupid it would be to go against Maria, whether it be verbally or not, and simply nodded. Playing along was definitely the right decision, because Maria relaxed further. Turning to face Bella, she pressed against the slightly taller brunette and caressed Bella's face.

"I cannot wait to see you in your full glory," Maria said breathlessly, her eyes darkening to pitch black when Bella smiled in reply. Maria wanted to grin and kiss Bella until the newborn begged for more, but she held back. She didn't want Bella to know how much a simple smile from Bella meant to her.

Bella did notice the slight response though, as well as how easily Maria relaxed around her, as if Maria truly believed that there was nothing to fear from the newborn. Of course, since Bella couldn't physically harm Maria, Bella figured that Maria was right, for the most part. But the cogs in Bella's head were already turning, and she was already thinking up ways that Maria's overconfidence could be used against her. Not to hurt Maria, but just to simply escape.

While Bella didn't want to die, she would gladly risk her life so she wouldn't have to spend the rest of her existence as Maria's underling.

Maria's fingers trailed lower down on Bella's body, inciting that confusing mix of fury and desire that made Bella want to bash her head against a wall.

"You have such amazing control," Maria murmured, both awed and frustrated with the turn of events. While control was a good asset, Maria really had just expected Bella to have fucked her brains out by now, and she was getting annoyed that the newborn was holding herself back so easily. "You do understand you're mine, don't you Bella?" she asked at last, wondering if something in Bella wasn't allowing her to recognize the bond. Surely the brunette's anger wasn't clouding her instinctive desires, right?

"Yeah," Bella said, fighting against the urge to roll her eyes.

Then why aren't you jumping me? Maria wanted to demand, but instead kept her mouth shut. She wasn't one to show emotions or show any signs of weakness. It was one of the things that have helped her survive for so long. That, and taking what she wanted while being crafty about it. If she couldn't outright steal something, she'd find another way to get her hands on what she wanted. She could even convince someone that giving what she desired to her was the best choice that person could make.

While Bella was Maria's mate, the newborn shouldn't be any different. Maria had planned everything out the second she laid eyes on the brunette and by now, the bond should have been working and they should have been fucking like bunnies. Then Bella would come to the realization of their bond once mating was explained to her. Maria had only put the collar on Bella so that Bella would stick around until she realized it, and so that Maria would always know approximately where Bella was in case something were to happen to her. Not to mention that collar just looked sexy on her mate.

Letting out a low sigh, Maria unconsciously leaned against her mate as she wondered what she was supposed to do next. She was slightly aware of the increase in comfort she felt, but it was only when she felt Bella stiffen that she realized what she was doing. Maria briefly considered simply staying put, but decided against it. Antagonizing her mate further wasn't going to help the situation. And despite how Bella acted, Maria knew that Bella wasn't accepting more affection willingly. It was more like Bella was accepting the affection in hopes of Maria relaxing her guard of Bella and giving the newborn more freedom. The girl seemed to be pretty calculating, something that Maria enjoyed quite a bit. Sadly, while Maria would use Bella's attempts to her advantage so she could enjoy her touching her mate, it didn't take her too long to realize that she could just as easily go too far and make things harder for them. She knew she had to go about this carefully.

"So, what now?" Bella asked when Maria finally moved away, relaxing fractionally. "You make me drink, I'm apparently going to go on missions at some point, but what about right now? Can I just lounge around and read, or…?"

"Actually," Maria said, brightening visibly. "We have a library. If you truly enjoy reading I will leave you there." It was the perfect opportunity, Maria concluded. If she were to give Bella space, the newborn would come to crave her and want to seek her out. It would make the bond between them stronger and make it easier for the newborn to give in to her desires, especially since Bella had already had a taste.

Best of all was how clearly Bella brightened upon hearing about a library. It seemed her mate really did enjoy reading, and knowing that Maria was providing her with something she loved made the coven leader feel incredibly happy. So much so that she actually flashed a smile and took Bella's hand, pleased even further when Bella didn't so much as flinch, let alone attempt to pull away.

Maria pulled Bella along at an average pace of a human, enjoying the contact between them. It was strange; in the past, would Maria ever desire someone, all she'd desire is their body under hers. But with Bella, even holding hands made Maria content. Of course, having sex with Bella made Maria much more than content. It was explosive in the best way possible, and Maria craved it constantly, especially with the memories of their only time, with Bella as a human, constantly replaying in Maria's head.

They eventually made it to the library, and Maria delighted in showing Bella the large space and watching how happy the brunette got. Still, Maria decided to be true to her word, and leave Bella alone.

"I will leave you here for now. If you need me for anything, just say my name," Maria said, purring the last four words suggestively as she stroked a hand down Bella's back. Not that Bella noticed, as she was already sitting at a table, immersed in the world of a book she had plucked off the shelves minutes earlier.

Still, despite how distracted Bella was, Maria made sure to position two vampires outside of the library doors, just in case. She didn't want Bella attempt something like escape, and now, with two vampires right outside the library, even the smallest unusual noise would draw their attention. This way, Bella would feel that Maria was giving her space, although it would be clear that she wasn't given too much and grow cocky. She'd hate to have to punish her mate, especially so soon after being turned.

Feeling confident that things would go well, Maria left Bella alone to go talk to Nettie and Lucy. And while they talked, Maria waited. Waited to feel Bella grow anxious, or for Bella to attempt to find her. That's what normal mates did, even if they hadn't marked each other yet. It was a simple compulsion.

However, Bella never came after her. Instead, for hours on end, she stayed in the library, reading book after book. In the end, Maria had to come get her, and Bella was clearly reluctant to leave her books.

"Can I come back and read more later?" Bella asked, clear hope in her eyes.

For a long moment, Maria wanted to say no. She wanted to deny Bella and tell the newborn that she was going to stay with her, by her side, until she felt the bond and gave in to the need to fuck and mark Maria. But Bella was looking so helpful, her bright red eyes sparkling, and already, Maria couldn't deny what gave the girl so much pleasure.

"Of course you can, if you behave," Maria said at last, reluctantly.

Bella grinned, already excited. The library was huge, and even if she were to read ten books a day, it would take her months, if not at least a year, for her to go through everything. What would make things even better would be if Maria continued to leave Bella alone while she read.

That night, Maria tried to hold Bella while they were in bed, but Bella clearly didn't enjoy it, and Maria had decided not to push it. Instead, she teased Bella with brief brushes of skin against skin, and while Bella did feel aroused now and again, it was clear that she wasn't craving the contact like Maria was. Not once did she touch Maria, or even try to prolong the touches. She certainly didn't press backwards against the older vampire so that their legs would touch. If anything, Bella seemed to prefer it when she couldn't even feel a tickle of Maria's breath against her skin.

The next day was much of the same. Despite being dragged around and encouraged to talk to other vampires, Bella did her best to stay away, keeping to herself. Of course, she tolerated most of Maria's touches once they were out of bed, but still showed no desire to return them, no matter how affectionate, or even sweet, Maria was being.

In the end, the only time Bella showed an excitement or happiness was when she was brought to the library. And this made Maria very, very unhappy. She even hung around for a bit, hoping to experience more of Bella's joy, but the newborn only became more subdued the closer Maria got.

So, once more, Maria saw no choice but to leave Bella alone. Something she would soon realize was a huge mistake.

It was just another book that caught Bella's interest. What, with the design and nice colors, as well as the name; Escape. And oh, how Bella wanted to escape. Everytime she considered it, she would feel a longing, only to get a strange twist in her gut at the thought of leaving Maria behind. It obviously had to be from the collar, but it didn't make it feel any less real for Bella.

She picked up the book and turned it over to look at the back, only to find no description. Of course not, the book looked ancient. It was probably as old as the library itself. It certainly appeared as dusty, as it seemed that the library was practically never used. There was also an old bookmark in it, which made Bella briefly wonder if someone was actually in the middle of reading it, then decided it didn't matter. As long as Bella left it where it was, she wouldn't be hurting anybody.

Smiling in excitement, Bella opened the book up. Only, the first page was blank. Frowning, she flipped to the next page, then the next, then the next again. What was going on? Was a blank book someone's idea of a joke?

Closing the book with a huff, Bella considered putting the book back and moving on. Then she paused, looking down at the bookmark. She quickly slid her nail between the two bookmarked pages and flipped it open.

Escape was written in large golden letters that seemed to glow. And then, a second later, the bookshelf in front of her lifted at least three feet into the air without a sound. Best of all was the underground stairwell that shimmered to life after a few brief moments.

For a moment, Bella panicked that she was going to be caught and glanced towards the library doors. But no, no vampire was rushing in to accuse her or tackle her to the ground like they do in the action movies.

Could this be it? Could this be Bella's chance to actually escape?

Slowly, hesitantly, Bella sat down on the ground and slid under the bookcase. She put her feet on the steps and, as quietly as she could, she started to crawl down them, using one hand to help, as the other was still gripping the open book. It wasn't a long stairwell, and it was easy and quick to get to the bottom, where she found herself staring at a long corridor.

The pain set in then, the one that made her want to go back up, maybe even find Maria, and never think about running away again. But Bella didn't give in. Instead, she started creeping down the hallway. She had realized that the collar didn't mean Bella couldn't leave Maria, it just meant that Maria should be able to find her if she were to start looking. At least, Bella was pretty sure her hypothesis was right.

After only a few steps she stopped, looking back towards the clear corridor and the floating bookcase above it. If anybody were to come in, it would be clear where she went. Surely there had to be a way to close it?

Bella turned back to the book, and on instinct, simply shut it. Immediately, the bookcase started to lower back onto the ground, and the opening of the secret passage disappeared with another shimmer, turning to gray stone.

For a moment, Bella stood still in disbelief, a crazy grin on her face.

Could it be? Could Bella actually become free?

She wasn't sure, but she was determined to find out. So, without another glance or worry, Bella took off at a run down the corridor.