Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with Twilight
Authors note: thanks to everyone who reviewed and a special thanks to AMELIA CULLEN LUVS DA'S who helped with the name of this chapter!
The unexpected
I slowly, cautiously approached the front door to my house which stood ajar. Something wasn't right. I could feel it. An eerie quiet fell upon my house and I nudged the door open, gazing inside. I had just returned home from school and usually my parents were there to greet me as I entered the house but not today. The first time in as long as I could remember they weren't here.
"Mom?Dad?" I called, my voice shaking with fear. My eyes searched the empty corridor and I walked slowly along it, trying to be as silent as possible in the overly quiet house.
I froze in the door way to the living room and my breath caught in my throat as tears stung my eyes. Lying on the floor in the middle of the room were my parents, limp and lifeless as their dead eyes stared at the ceiling and a white silk cloth tied around each of their necks.
"Bella, how nice of you to join us." A sinister, deadly voice spoke from behind me and I spun around quickly. There, just in front of me, stood a tall man with light brown crew cut hair and a vicious smile on his lips.
I recognised him immediately. There had been many sightings and pictures of him in the news papers in the past few years. It was him, the one they called 'The Tracker'. I stumbled backwards a step, wanting to distance myself from him but not get any closer to the bodies of my parents. He lunged at me and I opened my mouth to scream…
I jolted awake in bed as the incessant ringing of my alarm clock pierced the air and my memory haunted nightmare. I wiped my hands over my face, brushing the hair that had been stuck to my face behind my ears. I groaned and pushed myself out of bed before stumbling over to my bathroom to shower, I certainly needed it after waking up in a cold sweat.
I shuddered at the memory of my dream, of the memory itself. That was real. It had all happened so many years ago but it still brought tears to my eyes every time I thought about it. I turned on the shower, stepping under the warm water as it relaxed my tense muscles. After that dream, I knew I would be on edge for the rest of the day. That memory reminded me of my purpose in life, why I was what I was.
I stepped out of the shower, got dressed in my usual jeans and a t-shirt then walked into the kitchen to get some breakfast since yesterday's breakfast was such a disaster. I walked around the kitchen table and switched on the coffee maker that was sitting on the counter. I started humming to myself as I reached up to get a cup out of the cupboard above the coffee machine and got the milk out of the fridge.
I poured the coffee into the cup when it was ready, added the milk then returned it to the fridge and set the cup down on the counter, waiting for it to cool a little. I froze when I heard the squeak of a floor board behind me, the one near the door that always makes a noise when you step on it. A moment later I heard another footstep directly behind me. I spun around, grabbing the persons arm, bending it behind them and pinning them on the table with one hand holding their wrist and the other in the middle of their shoulder blades.
My chest was rising and falling heavily as I breathed and took a good look at the person who I had heard behind me. He was male, tall, muscled with familiar curly brown hair. I let out a sigh and released him walking back over to the counter where I left my coffee, acting as if nothing had happened.
"You know, Emmett, it's not a good idea to sneak up on an unsuspecting woman." I said nonchalantly as I picked up my coffee and turned to face him, leaning against the counter as I raised an eyebrow at him, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips.
"I'll try to remember that one." He rolled his eyes but gave me a grin and Rosalie was right; he did have dimples. I smirked at him as he rubbed the arm I had bent backwards, trying to act as if it didn't hurt him. Men. "But, holy shit, where the hell did you learn that?" He asked, looking rather surprised that I had managed to pin him, a man who must be about a foot taller and a heck of a lot stronger, all because I had the element of surprise.
"Rose taught me." I shrugged and took a sip of my coffee. I didn't feel threatened by him or suspicious like I did most of Rose's men friends, or most people in general actually. Emmett had an air about him that made you feel comfortable around him and I knew Rose must like him a lot if she invited him back to our house. I think he was the first man she had ever done that to. Yep, she was smitten with him.
"Rose taught you that? Wow…" He trailed off and a smile fell upon his face. Something told me that I really didn't want to know what he was thinking. "Oh, hey, we didn't really get introduced properly last night. I'm Emmett McCarty." He said as he held his hand out towards me.
"I'm Bella Swan. It's nice to meet you, naked guy." I grinned then scrunched my face up. "Seriously, though, I'm going to have nightmares after seeing that."
He laughed and shook his head. "Face it, Bells. You're just jealous."
I rolled my eyes at him and continued drinking my coffee. "What are you doing up this early anyway?" I asked, looking at him curiously.
"Unfortunately, I've got to go to work." He frowned and shrugged slightly. "I was going to make some breakfast for me and Rosie before you jumped me." He said playfully.
A smile spread across my face as I picked up on his nick name for Rose. She didn't let just anyone called her Rosie. In fact, usually, she hated that nick name so she must really like him if she let him call her that. "Rosie, huh?" I asked him with a sly smile.
A light blush heated up his cheeks but he shrugged at me. "What about her?" He asked, and I had to admire how he ignored his slight embarrassment and continued the conversation. If it was me I would have been extremely flustered.
"You like her don't you?" I asked softly with a teasing edge to my voice.
"Of course I do. What's not to like?"
I rolled my eyes at him. "No, I mean you like her." I urged but continued when he didn't respond. "Emmett, if you like Rose and I mean really like her then I couldn't be happier for you two but don't do anything to hurt her, I'm warning you, she'll turn around and stab you in the back." Literally. I added mentally. I honestly liked him, he seemed a perfect match for Rose and I didn't want either of them to get hurt.
"Don't worry Bella. I won't hurt her." He said softly with a small smile.
"Good." I smiled and finished my coffee before glancing at my watch. "Oh, I've got to go now. I'll see you later if you're still here." I picked up a blueberry muffin for my breakfast and walked to the front door, stopping at my bedroom to pick up my bag.
Just as I reached the front door I heard footsteps at the top of the stairs and turned around to see Rose; dressed in her bathrobe that was hanging off one shoulder, her hair sticking up in all directions as she rubbed one of her eyes sleepily. She looked so young and vulnerable just then, like a child that had just awoken from a bad dream.
"Emmett?" She called out sleepily but I could detect something else in her voice; worry? Fear, maybe? But I couldn't be sure. Probably because I had never seen Rose like this. She usually acted strong and fierce and never held the vulnerability she had now.
"I'm here, Rosie. I was going to make breakfast before your friend attacked me." Emmett said as he emerged from the kitchen, giving me a small smile then turning to look up at Rose.
Her face lit up as soon as she saw him as did his and I knew, right then, that they felt more for each other than they had let on. It was plain to see the love, not lust, for each other in their eyes. They just stood there, gazing into each others eyes and it was so intimate a moment that I felt I was intruding. I slipped out the door and shut it behind me, walking down the steps in front of the house and along the street.
I walked to the end of the street, marvelling to myself that I hadn't fallen once, or even stumbled, like I usually do, when I felt someone grab my wrist. It stunned me that I hadn't heard anyone, blaming myself for being too wrapped up in my thoughts. Usually, I would have just pulled my arm away or looked at them casually, knowing I could protect myself against whatever they tried. But not today, no, that dream, that nightmare, I had had put me on edge, making me jumpy and more irrational than usual.
I twisted the person's arm with the hand they were holding and grabbed my container of pepper spray from my belt. At night I had my knives secured in this belt but during the day, when there was a risk of someone seeing them, I had my spray can of pepper spray. I still felt the need for a weapon to protect myself.
I lifted the can so it was level with the person's face and I finally took in their appearance. I wasn't sure weather to be relieved or more nervous when I recognised him.
"I wish people would quit sneaking up on me." I muttered my annoyance clear in my voice. "What do you want, Edward?" I asked, a bit harsher than I had meant but really, what do you expect? Am I not allowed to be a bit annoyed after he tried to kill me just a few hours ago?
He raised his eyebrow questioningly at my first statement and an amused smile tugged at the corners of his lips, although I noticed he winced slightly when I twisted his arm a little more. Hey, I'm in a bad mood with him and he's being infuriating.
"Well, I would appreciate it if you let go of my arm before you break it off and lower the pepper spray?" He asked as he eyed the canister that I still had aimed at his face. I reluctantly let go of his arm and put my can back in my belt. "I was actually wondering if you wanted to walk to work with me?" He asked a little nervously.
I looked at him doubtfully; how could I be sure he really didn't know I was the one he tried to kill last night? For all I knew he could know about me and be trying to gain my trust. But I did need to get closer to him so I would get information out of him about 'The Tracker'.
"Alright." I nodded and began walking along the road to work. I still hadn't thought of exactly how to get the information out of him but I guess I could think about that later. First, I had to gain his trust. "So, do you live near here or are you just stalking me?" I asked with a sly smile and looked up at him as he walked beside me. It was then that I actually noticed the mark on his forehead; the one that I had caused last night. I stopped, grabbed Edward's arm and turned him towards me, pulling his head down to my level.
"Bella, what are you doing?" He asked, looking at me curiously while I studied the mark on his forehead, gently tracing my fingers over the bump which had been mostly hidden by his fringe. I felt his warm breath flood over my face and realised how close I had brought him to me, only a few inches space between us.
"Are you all right? Does it hurt?" I asked, glancing down at his eyes before looking back at the mark. I knew if I stared at his eyes for too long I wouldn't be able to control myself. He really was too good-looking for his own good.
"No." He said quickly, too quickly. And he winced when I probed the mark gently again.
"It's not very nice to lie to me, Edward." I said with a small smile. Maybe I could guilt him into admitting something.
"I'm fine, Bella." He said as he straightened up, rolling his eyes at me. Or maybe not.
I shrugged and started walking again. Strangely, I was still comfortable in his presence, even if he had tried to kill me. It unnerved me, especially since I was already jumpy today.
We walked most of the journey in comfortable silence, talking occasionally about most things, usually likes and dislikes. I hadn't noticed how much time had passed until we reached work and went to the lifts, arriving right on time. The elevator doors opened on Alice's floor and she stepped in, jumping to hug me when she saw me.
"Morning, Bella." She said happily and I raised my eye brow at her. She looked ready to burst with excitement, more so than she usually did. She glanced at Edward who was standing beside me and her smile widened. Ah, so that's what this is about. She seemed happier to see me standing so closely beside a gorgeous man like Edward than seeing me alive after she told me of her dream-like-vision.
"Hi, I'm Alice. You must be, Edward, the new photographer, right?" She asked sticking her small hand out towards him.
Edward chuckled and nodded. "Yes, it's nice to meet you." He said as he shook her hand.
Alice grinned and turned back to me. "Oh, Bella, I almost forgot; Carlisle wants to see you in his office. I think it's something about an article for you to write." She said just as the doors opened and stepped out. "This is my stop. I'll see you later Bella. Bye Edward." She waved before the doors shut behind her.
Carlisle was the editor and chief of the magazine I worked for; Twilight (A/N: original, I know :D). He was a little older than me, maybe early thirties, with blond hair and dark brown eyes. Most women in the building lusted after him but I just found that weird. True, he was insanely good-looking but he was more of a friend to me than anything else. He had also been married to an interior designer, Esme, for near of a decade.
I got out of the elevator at my floor and gave Edward a quick wave. No matter what, I couldn't seem to find it in myself to be mad at him. Stupid feelings.
I walked directly to Carlisle's office and knocked on the door. I might as well see what article he wanted me to write now so I could get started on the research for it. I opened the door and walked in when I heard Carlisle say 'come in' from inside.
"Good morning, Bella. Take a seat." He said, smiling warmly at me and gestured to a chair in front of his desk as I entered the room. "I actually just wanted to tell you that there's an article I wanted you to write. It's on the opening of the new theatre; "Midnight Sun"."
"Isn't that opening tonight?"
"I know its short notice but the original reporter fell ill and has been off all week. Bella, I have every confidence in you to write it, you certainly are a skilled reporter." He said, smiling softly.
I felt a light blush heating up my cheeks at the compliment and returned his smile. I didn't have anything to do tonight, especially after the little mishap last night I decided it was better not to have any more missions while there is a possibility of me being followed, and I'll get extra pay for it, even if I only have a short time to write it. I figured that I could research the opening today and write the part of the article on the back ground of the theatre then write the rest tomorrow. It would work out perfectly.
"Alright, I'd better get started then." I said as I stood to leave and walked towards the door of the office.
"Thank you Bella. There will be a photographer going with you as well and the performance at the theatre starts at seven." He said as I exited the room and walked along the corridor to my office.
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About two hours after I got to work I was busy researching the opening of Midnight Sun and making notes to use later when I would write the article. I heard a soft knock at my door and looked up to see Edward leaning casually against the door frame with a crooked grin on his face.
The small hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as the memories of last night flashed through my mind and a sense of unease flooded through me. As I watched him standing there, looking perfectly at ease I couldn't help but notice how dangerous he looked. Maybe it was just the fact that I knew what he was capable of. How he killed people for a living and then could look as normal as he did now. But, I suppose, that's exactly how I was.
Even through my discomfort of him I felt a warmth spread through me that I hadn't experienced since I was sixteen, twelve years ago. Every time I saw him my heart would beat a little faster, any troubles I may have been experiencing would disappear and a smile automatically lit my face. I knew what was happening to me. I had felt it before. I was falling in love. But how could I? This gorgeous, normal looking man in front of me had tried to kill me. He was sided with the man who I wanted to kill, to avenge my parents and my fiancé.
But I knew from experience that not everybody was as they seemed. Some people manage to live their lives with dark secrets hidden just beneath the surface. I was one of those people. And Edward was another. The trick was to figure out if the part of him that I was falling in love with was real, if it wasn't all an act. That would be beyond difficult.
"Working hard?" Edward asked with the grin still in place as he approached my desk. He turned the chair sitting in front of my desk backwards and straddled it, leaning his arm on the back of the chair as he kept his intense green-eyed gaze focused on me. "I brought you something." His grin widened as he spoke and I saw a glint of something in his eyes. I wasn't sure exactly what it was; excitement? No, glee and a slight bitterness. I dropped my gaze to the desk where he had placed an envelope in front of me.
I gave him a questioning look as I began to open it. "I got those photos for Alice's article developed." He said as he took the photographs from my hands and his fingers brushed against mine, causing them to tingle. He sorted through them and placed the right ones in front of me, my eyes scanning the photos quickly. I had to admit, he was a very talented photographer. The colours were bright and vibrant, the lighting was perfect and the pictures were overall amazing.
"Wow, these are brilliant." I said softly as I looked at them in awe.
"I also picked up these ones for the other couple of articles and…" He placed the photographs in front of me as he spoke then paused as his grin widened. "I got you something extra." He said as he placed a single photo in front of me.
I had to hold in a gasp and carefully composed my expression when I laid my eyes on the picture in front of me. It was very dark, obviously taken at night, so it was hard to make out the background but the main figure in it was clear, cast in the soft light of a street lamp; me, dressed in black with my dark cloak flowing around me. It must have been taken last night when Edward followed me but I have no idea how he managed to take a photo of me without my knowing.
"Well?" Edward asked softly as he studied my expression. I was still in shock, staring at the photo with my mouth slightly agape. "The first actual photograph of 'The Angel of Death'." He said, the excitement clear in his voice. I understood the look in his eyes now; he was wanting revenge on me. Because I had managed to escape him last night and not allow him to finish the job of killing me, well, who he thought was Marie Black.
"Bella?" He asked softly and I broke from my thoughts, lifting my head to look at him.
"How…how…" I stuttered, still awed at how he had managed to photograph me. I had spent years without anyone getting a trace of who I really was but now, as soon as Edward turns up, he manages to get the first piece of solid proof against me.
"I followed her." He said with a slight smile and I thanked the heavens that he had mistaken my incoherent questioning, instead of realising that I was actually asking how he had followed me and taken a picture without my knowledge.
"Her?" I picked up on that. No one knew that the 'Angel of Death', Marie Black, me, was actually female. And I hoped to distract him slightly, possibly find out more information about him.
"Well, the size and figure would indicate that it's a woman." He said, completely unfazed. "Petite, slight build." He shrugged. "Of course, there nothing to say that it could be a man but, logically, I think it's more likely to be a woman."
"Well, um, thank you for bringing these up to me, Edward." I said, still slightly flustered by his picture. I needed time to think and to do that he would have to leave me alone with my thoughts.
"You're welcome." He said as he stood up and righted the chair. "I'll see you tonight, Bella."
"Tonight?" I scrunched my brow in confusion and he grinned at me. Again.
"I'm the photographer who is going to be going with you to the opening of the theatre tonight." He explained and began walking towards the door, leaving me shocked once more. "I'll pick you up at six, ok?" He asked just before he left the room, standing in the doorway and looking back at me.
I nodded numbly as he smiled and disappeared out of my office. I felt excitement brewing in me but also nervousness. What if I accidentally revealed who I am to him? I would be alone with him for a whole night and what if he knew that I, Bella Swan, was also Marie Black but was just pretending to be oblivious?
Through all my muddled up thoughts, one was more prominent than the rest. What the hell was I going to do now?
A/N: I hope it wasn't too confusing at some parts…and you get a look into Bella's past…well, part of it. Can anybody guess who 'The Tracker' is? It's really obvious…
Originally I wasn't planning to have Carlisle and Esme in this story but I couldn't resist although I don't think I'll mention them much in future chapters…
Thanks for reading! Please review!
