Hey guys and girls I'm back. Results Day went well, Sixth form soon. Thanks to all the people who added my story to alerts, etc. Glad you're enjoying the story as much as I am writing it!

Disclaimer: All characters are property of Stephenie Meyer as always.

Italics are used for characters thoughts, visions, or flashbacks.


Edward's POV

I kept running for ages, not quite sure where I was going but it didn't matter, my vampire senses kept me from hitting anything of course. The only problem was I didn't even have to think about trivial things like trees and paths, which left my mind far too free to think about other things...well one thing.

Bella. What was I thinking of going there? I had no right to love her like this, she was human, pure sweet and innocent and I...well I was a soulless creature. It wasn't that I regretted this life- I had everything, a loving family, money and infinite time to spend on learning and enjoyment. It was just- I hated the fact I could endanger living humans, end their lives so easily they probably wouldn't even notice. And the smell of Bella's sweet, compelling blood- well it reminded me of the potential monster I could be.

Finally the deep curtain of black sky began to fade into the gentle hues of the rising sun. When you cannot sleep and your mind will not stop thinking about someone time can be very slow. Already just thinking about Bella and her scent had taken its toll. Venom was pooling in my mouth and I could feel my throat itching as if it was sore. I was thirsty. Quickly I turned, running into deeper forest where hikers and rangers would be less likely to be roaming.

I reached a small clearing and hung back in the trees, a candy like smell hit my sharp senses and I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. Mountain lion, perfect. My monstrous side was alive with excitement; it was slightly more of a fight, a challenge and the taste.

The subject of my sudden bloodthirsty thoughts stood tensed and alert by a pool of cold clear water. Tail twitching slightly as it sensed danger. It growled low and loud to my enhanced hearing, challenging its pursuer. Growling my own ferocious battle cry I lunged from the shelter of the trees landing just behind my prey, it hissed springing to the side trying to escape but when I blocked off the route it changed tactics. Eyes narrowed and focused on me it pounced, claws tearing through my shirt but causing no damage to my hardened skin, I rolled on top of the wild yet helpless thing, pinning it down and lowering my head. It went crazy- hissing, spitting and ruining more of my clothing. Then my mouth was on its neck, teeth cutting through and releasing its candy perfumed blood as easily as humans can slide a knife through butter.

After I was done I buried the body under earth and leaves and returned home, planning to barricade myself in my room- my whole family would know of my night adventure thanks to Alice. Not that it would help- I have no doubt they would be shouting their thoughts loud enough to hear.

I reached the house; its beauty still appealed to me after several years of living here, and quickly slid in through the open patio doors and was up the staircase in a flash. Relief pooled through me as I reached my door unhindered, only to die again when I opened the door to see Alice sitting silently and gracefully on my leather sofa. I grimaced, my mood darkening; I did not want to have this discussion. Alice rolled her eyes and in her thoughts I saw a vision of me pushing her out the room, I half smiled, that wasn't a bad idea.

'I only came to tell you that in about half an hour Bella will be arriving at our house.' She said, raising an eyebrow.

'What?' My voice shook with fury 'You invited her here?'

'No' Alice replied coolly 'She decided to come here herself, she's only repaying lasts night's favour'. Why did you go there? You knew this would happen. I put my head in my hands.

'Stop torturing yourself; you'd better get presentable if you're going to meet her.' Alice thought woke me from my dark misery. I snarled at her but quickly threw on a new shirt and jeans, then sprang from my open window planning to somehow stop Bella and get her to turn back for home. Alice's disapproving thoughts buzzed annoyingly around my mind.

I stood half hidden under the tall trees just into the road turning that headed for my home, waiting, within twenty minutes I could hear the roaring of Bella's truck approaching. If I had been in a better mood I would have smiled at that ridiculously loud engine, as it was I simply glared at the advancing vehicle willing it to go back. As it drew parallel to me I saw Bella's fragile yet determined looking face, she seemed to shiver and glanced quickly about her, the ominous shadows of the trees no doubt playing on her imagination. Then she was looking straight as me and her truck swerved left before she stomped hard on her break, gasping and shaken.

Instantly I was horrified, 'Bella! Bella are you OK?' I shouted frantically, worry colouring my words.

She half fell out the driver's seat, steadying herself on the bonnet. 'Yes, thank you now you're not trying to frighten me to death.'

The words with me being involved with her death made me scowl, angry with her again for coming here- knowingly inviting danger. Her face changed as she took in my expression, suddenly irritated but I could also see the hurt in her eyes and as she opened her mouth my anger melted- it wasn't her that I was truly angry with, it was, of course, myself. She froze, then snapped her mouth shut as our eyes locked, I felt like fire was flying round my body, a burning need for her.

'Bella' I whispered and I could hear the longing in my tone. I drew a step closer and then forced myself to stop. No. She's not meant for you. Then she swayed and I realised she wasn't breathing, I leaped forward as she began to fall, wrapping my arms around her waist. I closed my eyes when she did, holding her. I could feel her warmth seeping into me, when I opened my eyes it wasn't a struggle against her blood but against her body. My eyes were drawn to her perfect lips, parted slightly with gentle breaths sighing out. I quickly swallowed and looked away before my thoughts could develop. Bella. Oh what should I do? I could return her home, should return her home. Kiss her. My thoughts were uncontrollable.

I pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead and her smell hit me again. I gasped closing my eyes, gritting my teeth but still holding her up. Bite, kiss, bite, kiss...The two desires waged war. I thrust Bella into her truck as gently as I could, then I was away, running, running. Always a coward. Never brave enough to stay. But how could I? How could I endanger her?I lingered long enough to hear the engine roar to life, long enough to know Alice had 'seen' and would be looking after Bella. Then I was off again with one last thought haunting me. She was brave enough to come here for you...and you've hurt her, again.


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