The raging flames had finally stopped. I couldn't tell how long they were burning me alive, but it was pure hell. My senses started coming back to my body slowly, then all at once. I could feel rough stitches beneath my body, scratching at my skin. My skin felt like granite; hard, smooth, and cold. Cautiously, I pried open my eyes and I was introduced to a new world. Everything was enhanced to the point of being able to see particles of dust flying in the air. My eyes raced around the room; taking in all the details. There was a scratch on the wooden floor in the left corner of the room, while rays of sun came in through pale white panels on the right wall. I could sense another presence in the building. The light oak door opened and a pale woman with hair the color of fire stepped inside. She had cat like movements that were calculated. She was petite, maybe 5'2. Her eyes were crimson and they nearly matched her hair. A faint outline of a smile played on her lips. She had a black dress that hung loosely on her body. My mouth dropped open as I realized who she was. Victoria. My anger boiled over me like a kettle with water and a fierce snarl escaped my lips. The sound stunned me for a moment as I recollected myself and glared at the devil herself.
"Bella… please let me explain myself." Her voice was the chiming that scared me to my core; the last sound I remember before I died. Shock started settling in over my anger. She didn't kill me. I was alive, in the satirical sense. I nodded slowly, not trusting myself to speak. "When James was killed, I had nothing but pure anger and hate inside of me. I was already a very unpleasant being who dwelled in unpleasant things. Losing James only brought out the demons inside of me. James wouldn't have wanted me to feel so much hatred. I only said everything about Edward to stun you into not making a scene. You have your babies. I watched you for a long time while I did my own research. I changed you to help save them regret. They have just enough venom in their blood to change a human if they bit more than once, but their venom also makes the blood unappetizing. One day, your children could have killed you. I thought I was saving them the regret. Bella, I hold nothing against you. I can only hope you hold nothing against me. You're a lucky soul in fact. You escaped James and for that you are lucky." When Victoria would say James' name aloud, her face showed clear signs of pain. I don't know how it was possible, but I actually saw the logic in what she said. I would never want my children to hurt, much less feel that type of remorse.
"Thank you." The sound of my voice shocked me to my core. Instead of the embarrassing raspy croak, it sounded like a smooth and delicate chime. Just like the Cullens. I could tell that Victoria was also shocked. I rose out of the bed, more quickly than I imagined. My world was now high speed and full of grace. I pulled Victoria into a hug, surprising us both. "Thank you. I would never wish for my children to live with the fact they killed their own mother." She responded by squeezing me back softly.
"Would you like to view your immortal self?" She asked, smiling slightly. I nodded, a rush of excitement radiating through me. I followed Victoria out of the dim room and into a brightly lit hallway. The walls were white with oak floorboards. She opened a door and led me inside. We were in a fairly large bathroom with white tiling and blue walls. There was a vanity with two large mirrors. Shock was written all over my face as I stared into the mirror. I wasn't sure I was looking at myself, because the girl looking back could actually give Rosalie Hale a run for her money. My hair had turned to a dark chocolate mahogany color and it went to my hips. It was luscious and full of volume. My eyebrows were now arched and perfectly curved. My face still had its normal look, but it was enhanced by the change. I was just as pale as Victoria. My eyes were almond shape, but the color of them shocked me. It was not the blazing red I had expected, but instead, a multicolor. There was blue, green, brown, gold, and magenta in my eyes. I gaped, my gaze lingering on my eyes. "They shocked me as well." Victoria murmured. I continued observing my face after my shock wore off. My lips were even fuller and had a pout to them. I continued my way onto my body. There were curves in places I never thought I had. My breasts had grown and my body was toned. I actually looked amazing. For once in my life, I could have confidence. A door in the house opened then shut with many footsteps following.
"Who's that?" I asked quietly to Victoria. She smiled at me, her lips pulling back and revealing her perfect pearl white teeth.
"It's my coven. Would you like to meet them?" She asked. I nodded, unsure and she motioned for me to follow her. We continued down the white hallway and entered an equally bright living room. There were brown leather couches and a giant plasma screen TV. The living room had shaggy brown carpet and a chandelier hanging in the middle. The door way an archway that revealed the five other vampires. "Everyone, this is Bella." She motioned towards me and I smiled softly. "Bella, this is Shelby." She pointed towards a vampire sitting on the couch. She had platinum blonde hair and blood red eyes. She was gorgeous with full lips and a slender face. She gave me a small smile which I returned. "This is her mate, Tyler." Victoria motioned towards the man sitting next to her. He had a black mohawk which was spiked high. He was fairly well built with bushy eyebrows and red eyes. His upper lip was thinner than his bottom and it stood out. He nodded towards me, which I returned as well. "Over there is Kaleb." She pointed towards the man in the corner of the room. He was tall with short brown hair and the same scary red eyes. He was muscular and had a large nose. His eyebrows pulled together as he took me in, then he flashed me a bright white smile. "Then there is Jess, his mate." Victoria pointed towards the last woman in the room. She was short with a reddish brown hair and the same red eyes. She had plump lips and wide cheeks, but she was still incredibly beautiful. "Lastly, this is my sister, Mandy." She looked exactly like Victoria, but she had razor cut red hair and her eyes were a peculiar silver color.
"Welcome to the Peyton Coven." Mandy gave me a genuine smile. I gaped, thinking of my children.
"I couldn't possibly leave my kids." I said, appalled at the thought. A small exchange of laugher went around the room.
"I brought Jade and Trey here the night I changed you. I wanted to protect your father." Victoria pointed towards a playpen in the corner of the room. I gave her a relieved smile. I knew it would kill Charlie to think that I am dead and his grandkids are gone, but that's the only way I can keep him safe. I have to do it. Maybe living this new life wouldn't be so bad?
