Authors Note: To the reviewers and readers, I appreciate your followings. And yes, Bella has had a tragic past but it was necessary for the transformation, for those of you who are wondering when Jasper will appear, you will not have to wait much longer. The next chapter will bring him into the story. Many thanks everyone.

Chapter 3: Understandings

Two days had passed since the obliteration of Peter. Isabella knew she should have left Forks by now but something compelled her to stay.

Her new companion had taken to her well, he was loyal and she trusted him… a little, but most did not even warrant that much from her. He was an older vampire than she but he followed her lead, giving her free reign over him. She did not know what he saw in her to be so loyal to but she was relieved she did not have to destroy him. She'd become fond of him unexpectedly soon, not just because of his power but rather his nature.

To be certain she could trust him, Isabella had looked into his soul. She had seen he was a truly good vampire. It was the only thing that would allow her to accept him into her life. He had passed her test and now he was unknowingly undertaking a task of great impossibility; healing her. She refused to place her hope on him but she did dare to let him try. He intrigued her.

He was very compassionate for a vampire, much like he had been, yet Adam did not remind her of him. He showed an exuberant enthusiasm regarding human life. He told her before he met Peter he used to lounge in coffee shops and other social gathering places just to observe the humans interacting with one another. He had been a vampire for so long he often forgot what it was like to be human; this was how he reminded himself.

And Adam had a valuable gift; he had the ability to find things.

Peter had been using him to find a certain vampire that was rumored to be in the area, it was a powerful vampire, one that was immune to all vampire gifts… just like her.

She did not know who this vampire was, she doubted the Volturi knew either otherwise they would have warned her. But she would find out soon, she had a feeling he was one of the reasons she was here.

Somehow, Adam had persuaded her to stay in the only hotel in Forks. The room was small but served its purpose; just somewhere to retreat to and relax while they waited for whatever was coming.

"Adam, would you like to accompany me out?" she asked softly, "…I find I am curious to see what has changed in my town."

Her golden doe-like eyes captured his own and he found himself by her side instantly.

"Of course."

He watched as her petite willowy form moved smoothly to the door, her mere movements fascinated him. He'd never met anyone as lovely as her, nor as gentle, or hurt. If he didn't already know that vampires mated for life he would have thought himself in love with her. It appalled him that Peter, his companion for over a year, was one of those who harmed her all those years ago. He was not yet privy to all the horrors of her past but he gained enough from her confrontation with Peter. He was glad the bastard was dead.

The only reason he had been helping Peter was because he claimed he could kill the vampire that had murdered his sister years ago.

Adam was changed in the seventeen hundreds, he and his sister. They were twins and shared a bond like no other. About two hundred years after their transformation they were sucked into the southern vampire wars. They fought for fifteen years, one day after a brutal battle had been lost his sister unintentionally angered the leading commander of their coven. He ripped her head off on the spot.

He flew into a blind rage and killed half the coven before they subdued him. He was nearly torn apart but at the last minute he was rescued by the Major, the most infamous vampire in the south. The Major was one of the last that Adam would ever have expected to come to his aid. To this day he did not know why the Major saved him. Perhaps he was simply in a generous mood. The Major's mind and reasoning was something that would never be unlocked by another. He was a destroyer, and a savior. As to why, no one knew.

Although Adam's life was spared, the commander who murdered his sister vanished, and vengeance could not be taken. Retribution was denied and Adam grew cold hearted and furious.

The years that followed in suite were drowned in blood.

Adam was merciless and unforgiving for every offense given. He thrived on pain and death, as he looked back on those years he could truly admit he had been a monster. He ran with other vampires of the same mindset and together they wreaked havoc on humankind. But not so much as to alert the Volturi, that would have been a mistake not worth making.

It was another encounter with the Major that drew him out of his monstrous state. He reminded him of love, life, and happiness again. He taught him how to be compassionate and ultimately, he taught him what it felt like to be human again. For that, Adam would be eternally grateful to the Major.

Now his loyalty came first to the Major, and then to Isabella. Both of them were the same and different but they were holy in his mind. Beings so much greater than normal human or vampire-kind, and he would stand by them in whatever they needed.

Right now, Isabella needed a companion. Not just to accompany her wherever she goes, but one to help her slay her inner demons, one by one. Someone to offer her comfort, to hold her when she was falling apart, to stand by her no matter the circumstances. And that, Adam would provide.

So with a resolute heart he followed her out and silently closed the door behind them.

As they walked through the streets, Adam tenderly offered Isabella his arm. She glanced up at him with an unrecognizable look then hesitantly linked her arm through his.

There was an odd feeling of intimacy in such a simple gesture, but she found it did not bother her. She could not say that she took comfort from him yet but she recognized his gesture as an act of kindness towards her that was meant to establish trust, so she indulged him.

Though they tried to blend in with modern society, vampires naturally stand out and despite their casual attire they still drew attention to themselves. To the humans they looked like a model couple, utter perfection. She had a vulnerable manner about her, sweet and innocent, inspiring the natural protective instinct in all males who passed her. Adam held her arm like a gentleman, radiating safety and protection, his pale chiseled face and long dark hair emanating strength and vitality.

As they passed the maternity store, a woman and her friend strode out laughing, as they laid their eyes on Isabella and Adam their mouths dropped open. Isabella recognized the dark haired woman, she was pregnant, probably about half way through her term, it was Jessica Stanley.

She scrutinized Isabella, she seemed familiar but Jessica couldn't quite place her face.

"Do I know you?" she asked bluntly.

Isabella smiled softly, "No," she answered and continued walking.

She had expected to see familiar faces but it did nothing to calm her apprehension. She was on constant alert, taking in every possible threat or danger. Such was her nature now. The town had changed little, but it was curious to see people she had known as teenagers grown into adults, and having children of their own. She noted the lines of worry on their faces, the bright smiles full of joy, the sparkling in their eyes as they gazed upon their husbands or wives. Those looks made her heart ache.

She had resigned herself to the fact that she would never know such joy, such love, such happiness. It was forbidden to her in her shattered state. Yet she still yearned for it.

Her eyes brimmed with unshed venom and Adam slowed and pulled her gently into his arms.

"Just let it out dearest…" he murmured against her soft hair, "I am here for you and I always will be."

"Why?" she asked faintly.

He lifted her chin and brought her pained golden eyes to meet his.

"Because you need it, and you deserve it. You have suffered too much," he stroked her cheek affectionately, "allow me to bear some of your burden, let me help you, I promise you will not regret it," he said fervently.

She uncertainly nodded her assent and dropped her head onto his shoulder.

"We should head back," she whispered.

They were just about to return to the comfort of the small hotel when a breeze with a distinct scent drifted past them.

Their nostrils flared taking in the scent, and they tensed. Another vampire was here.

Isabella shifted out of Adam's arms and quickly scanned the area, she pinpointed him a couple blocks down the street leaving the Newton's camping goods store.

The vampire noticed them a moment later. She could feel him hesitate before striding away in the opposite direction. No, he would not get away. Instincts were telling her he was a danger to her and she was not about to let him escape.

She grabbed Adam's hand and they followed after the foreign vampire.

He was headed towards the woods, when he got to them he went a short ways in then stopped. It was as if he was waiting for them.

They arrived a minute later and she quickly appraised him while they stood facing one another. He was tall middle aged looking vampire with short cropped brown hair and blood red eyes. His aura was dangerous and flighty. She cautiously tried to read his soul but it was as if there was nothing inside him. It was hidden behind an impenetrable gray fog. A slight frown appeared on her perfect face. This was the one Peter and Adam were seeking, the one like her.

As Adam locked eyes with the vampire, he stiffened and his stance changed to one of attack.

"I remember you," the stranger declared, his deep voice rumbled in amusement, his eyes on Adam.

"As do I," Adam hissed back with barely contained fury.

"You murdered my sister."

The vampire chuckled, "That was a long time ago boy, don't you know grudges aren't healthy?"

"It does not matter if they are healthy or not since health is not a concern of our kind. I intend to take retribution for her death," he spat venomously.

"And how do you plan on doing that boy? I am older and stronger than you and your little chit here. I suggest you walk away while you still can," the vampire growled.

Isabella growled at the word chit. How dare he assume she was a weakling, that she was some bimbo to be strung along by some man? Cold fury washed over her and she lunged at the offending vampire.

He was unprepared and she caught her fangs on his shoulder. She viciously ripped out a chunk of his arm and clawed at him violently. Adam joined her and managed to rip off one of his arms. He roared in pain and kicked them away from him before retrieving his arm and latching it back on.

They all circled each other in defensive positions, waiting for someone to attack. Adam was first. He dove at the vampire and tried to tackle him to the ground but he was ready for him and flipped him over his shoulder into a nearby tree. Isabella leapt at him attempting to reach his throat but his own hand enclosed around hers and he slammed her to the ground.

Dazed for a moment, her mental shield came down and the memories came flooding in. She screamed in agony, flashes of her torture eclipsed the present and she was drawn back into her memories, reliving her anguish. The vampire held her close to him, his hand still crushing her throat when Adam rose. She lay limp in his arms, eyes open but unseeing, an expression of unknowable suffering resting on her face.

"No!" Adam yelled and flew towards her captor.

"Stop," the vampire commanded, "or I will destroy her."

Adam halted abruptly in his path, " Let her go, she has nothing to do with this."

"I don't think so, she is quite the little morsel, I might just take her with me when I am done with you," he grinned maliciously, running his hand along her waist.

"If you do, the Volturi will destroy you." Adam answered coldly.

That made him pause; there were none who did not fear the Volturi. They were the ultimate force of order in the world, and nothing would save you if you were on their bad side.

Isabella suddenly let out a keening wail that promptly made the vampire drop her like a hot stone. She hit the ground and lay unmoving yet still as lovely as ever.

"This is between me and you…Gallus, let her be."

With a lingering glance down at Isabella, Gallus grinned madly and leapt at Adam. But before he made contact, a piercing howl cut through the woods. They both froze in mid-attack. Gallus looked panicked as more howls joined up. They were close.

Out of the woods, a black wolf materialized out of the darkness, watching them with large wary eyes.

Without another moment's hesitation Gallus fled and disappeared into the darkness, the wolves howled and ran off in pursuit, all except one.

The russet colored wolf padded up to Isabella's prone form and howled in grief. It then transformed into a young man with short black hair, he knelt beside her and pounded his fists on the ground.

"No, not her… oh please gods not her…" he sobbed horrified, reaching to pull her into his arms.

Adam approached him warily, "Who the hell are you?"