Fated

By Ginamr

Summary: Edward's rebellious years were behind him and he was at last beginning to feel a modicum of peace through his family's vegetarian lifestyle. His life is turned upside down when Bella, the Human woman that he'd saved from the clutches of a murderous vampire, is again in need of his protection. He's forced to face his growing affection for her. He has two choices—create a future with the woman who draws him like no other or abandon her and his family for a second time.

Rating: NC-17

Categories: AU

This chapter is in Bella's POV.

Three

1931

I was hiding, of course. Halfway down the aisle, I'd realized I couldn't marry James—not still loving Edward as I did. The year since his sudden departure from my life had only strengthened my feelings for him. It was insane that after only one night and one kiss, I fancied myself in love with him. Did I really even know him?

Noticing the odd looks I received from passersby, I retrieved my reticule from the hidden pocket of my dress and checked my funds. There was just enough inside for new clothes and a wig, perhaps a train ticket and a few nights' lodging. I grimaced. I wouldn't get far. I didn't even know where Edward was so I had no idea where to go.

Deciding to at least rid myself of the wedding dress so that I wouldn't draw any more attention, I entered a nearby emporium and selected a pair of trousers and a loose-fitting shirt that would hide my breasts, a job made easier by the fact that they were rather small to start. That, combined with the red wig, served to disguise me as a working-class man. No man would threaten my virtue in this outfit unless the wig slipped. For good measure, I bought a black fedora as well as a pair of black worn work boots and wiped the makeup from my face with the towels in the ladies' lavatory.

I'd also splurged on a suitcase which contained a skirt and more appropriate blouse as well as my heeled shoes for when I reached my destination. I carried said suitcase with me as I made my way toward the bus station. By this time, the sun had long ago set and the streets were nearly empty. That's when I heard the familiar sound. I froze.

Shit.

Instinctively, I made a run for it, not daring to look over my shoulder. The suitcase I'd just purchased was heavy and slowed me down significantly. With no other choice, I tossed it into a nearby alley and kept running. If I managed to lose him, I could come back for it. If not—well, then I wouldn't have any need of the clothes or the money anyway.

My lungs burned as I ran and the muscles of my legs begged for oxygen. I couldn't draw breathe quickly enough to provide my body with the fuel to keep going. My stomach cramped as I pushed myself past the breaking point and I suddenly felt as if I was going to be sick. The only thing that drove me was my adrenaline. But soon, even that wasn't enough. I collapsed in a heap on the sidewalk and heaved the contents of my stomach. With each vicious wretch, I shook violently.

Once the feeling had subsided, the anxiety returned. I could hear the sound growing closer. I crawled as quickly as my weakened body would allow toward refuge behind several garbage cans, scarcely able to fit through the small space without disturbing them. I sat with my back against the wall as I fought to regain my scrambled senses.

"Bella," a familiar voice called. "I know you're here, love. It's no good hiding. I'll find you."

It had the same sing-song quality that I associated with Edward's kind. I suppressed a whimper of fear and my heart pounded mercilessly against my ribs. The creature stalking me let loose a chuckle and the footsteps grew closer. A thought struck me and I froze. Could he hear my heartbeat like Edward could?

I worried my lower lip as I contemplated my options. When no inspiration struck, I closed my eyes in defeat. It was no use. The vampire would find me and the struggle would only make the experience more traumatic. As afraid as I was of what was to come, I swallowed and stood shakily.

"Here," I croaked.

Shit. What was I doing? The moment Laurent's gaze locked with mine, I knew it was too late to run. I clenched my fists at my sides and stepped out from behind the cans, removing the hat and wig.

I jerked my chin upward. "Well? What are you waiting for? Do it." Still, he didn't move, his expression one of curiosity. "What's the matter? Not enough of a challenge for you? Do you not like prey that you can't chase?"

His nostrils flared and I swallowed. Well, hell...I was challenging a vampire to kill me. Jesus. Was I really calling his bluff? I heard another low growl and in moments, a redhead was standing beside him. She was flawlessly beautiful with the same blood red eyes and pale skin.

"Now, now, Laurent," she murmured. "We mustn't play with our food."

He grinned wickedly. "She's brave, this one."

Suddenly, he was in front of me and his knuckle caressed my cheek. I yanked away from his touch, glaring at him with all of the defiance I could muster. My gaze flickered to the redhead and I saw her eyes sparkle.

"Where is your protector?" Laurent goaded.

When I said nothing, he bent to my neck and I felt his teeth graze my skin, but they didn't break the surface. I fought back a nervous laugh. He was toying with me. He was trying to scare me.

"Wait," the redhead said.

Laurent growled in frustration. "I'm thirsty."

The redhead approached, her smile inviting. "I can give you so much, little one...eternal life, never-fading beauty...would you join my coven? Would you be my sister?"

I swallowed roughly. "Are those my choices? Die or become one of you?"

The redhead laughed musically. "Truthfully? Yes. But you make becoming one of us sound so terrible. So many people would kill for that."

Fantasies of Edward and I flew through my mind, changed by the possibility of being like him. The images were more graphic and the love-making was rougher...more animalistic. He wasn't afraid of hurting me. I released a shaky breath and nodded.

"Good girl," the redhead encouraged. "This will only twinge a bit."

Before I could reply, her teeth sunk into my neck and I felt the fire spread rapidly through my veins, the searing agony blocking out everything else.