Wowww! Chapter four… Is extremely long! Ha!

What can I say about this…? Absolutely nothing. You'll just have to read for yourself. It's quite intriguing. Hah. Bella's birthing of her baby and well, her change. Enjoy!

Rated PG-13 because there aren't any descriptive sex scenes, but some mind images that children really shouldn't be picturing, sooo… Yeah! :)


The Last Thing I Ever Do

Chapter Four

Word count ~ 5,644

The gentle breeze straying in through the open window was calming to my tired body. It smelt of the forest; dirt, pine, stream. It reminded me of the night I saw Jake for the first time since I'd considered him dead. I recalled the feeling of relief that had washed over me when he'd taken me in his arms, proving to me that he was real that time, and not another dream.

The soft beeping of the heart monitor brought me out of my memory. 'Not long now.' I opened my eyes, gazing at the fireplace that crackled across the living room from the couch I lied on. My arm was immobilized by the IV that was providing me with essential nutrients. 'I'm glad Carlisle took it upon himself to think of my comfort. I hate hospitals.'

The transformation had been extreme. Within just two months, I'd gained over twenty pounds, and my stomach had bloated to render me eleven inches wider around my waist than I'd originally been. The baby was constantly moving, except when I lie down in bed with Jake at night and relax with soft music playing. Jake's hand would rest on my tummy, and the baby would be completely still.

Jake had been incredibly supportive and mature throughout this whole experience. He'd stayed by my side all day, every day, obsessing over my comfort level. I'd been staying home – or at the Black's house, rather – since the third week of my pregnancy. At that time, my size was what should have been around six months pregnant, and Carlisle was worried people would take notice of my abnormally fast weight gain. As far as telling Charlie went, we'd confessed almost all of the truth. Yes, Jacob was a werewolf, along with nearly all of his friends. Jake had phased to prove it to my disbelieving father. Yes, I was pregnant. Charlie had handled that considerably well; Jasper hardly had to intervene. And yes, I was going away after the baby was born; right after my 18th birthday.

We'd left out one important truth; exactly what was happening after my birthday. Too afraid to admit that detail, I'd lied and told him Jake and I were leaving Forks to live somewhere else once the baby was born. Charlie had been pretty disappointed at this news, and I'd had to look away from his heartbroken eyes. He'd reluctantly accepted it though, as long as I came back to visit.

'I'll visit after three months, dad,' I vowed, bringing myself back to the present. 'That'll give me enough time to adjust, and get over the newborn phase. I won't hurt anyone.'

"Bella?"

I raised my head as Emily came in. The pack mother with the maternal instincts had immediately taken me into her hands, acting as my birthmother throughout the ordeal. She'd taken care of her aunt when she was pregnant with Leah, and had feminism to go along with the experience that I desperately needed. 'Carlisle is a professional, but his presence just isn't as comforting as Emily's.'

"Hey Em."

She smiled. "Jake'll be back in about an hour. The patrol had a few unexpected visitors." I raised my eyebrows in question, and she continued, "You father and some of his friends. Apparently Charlie had to cover for the pack." I grinned, and Emily shared my amusement. "I suppose he loves all this change, hm?"

I shook my head. "I think he's regretting offering to take me off my mom's hands."

Emily reached out to brush a loose strand of hair from my forehead. "No no no, Bella. Your father loves you. I meant that he's probably more freaked out than you, that's all."

I smiled a bit. "Yeah."

"So, any day now." I nodded, smoothing my hands over my swollen tummy. The baby immediately repositioned itself, forcing a soft grunt out of me. "Do you think it'll be a boy or girl?"

"Boy," I murmured instantly. Emily smiled. "I can just feel it."

"Have you and Jake talked about names yet?"

I shook my head. "I have a few in mind, but Jake keeps saying he wants to see the baby's face first. He's sure he'll know once he sees him or her."

Emily chuckled. "Good 'ol Jake." She swiped her long black hair from her eyes. "You still want to go with an at home birth, right? With medication?" I nodded. "Carlisle can be here in just a few moments at any time. He made sure we knew that. He said he wouldn't be hunting at all this month."

I shook my head. "He's pushing himself too far, just for me. Is he gonna be able to birth the baby and deal with me and all the blood if he's dying of thirst?"

Emily pursed her lips. "I'm sure he wouldn't risk it if he knew he couldn't handle it. He manages smelling blood nearly every day, Bella. He's a doctor; a surgeon, at that."

Soon Emily left, and I fell into a somewhat restless sleep. I tossed and turned for what could have been only minutes, or perhaps hours. I had vague dreams that I couldn't remember once I woke up to roll over again. I could feel the baby moving within me.

Gradually, a pressure built up inside my body. Pain joined it, until a wave of agony washed over me; so strong that it forced me awake. With a soft sound of pain, I sat up. 'Oh… What the…' A second convulsion hit me, and I grabbed my shirt above my tummy, fisting it. Outside the window, I could hear Embry whining.

"Emily…!"

She was there within seconds, seemingly acquiring the speed of an inhuman body. From there on, everything became cloudy. I gathered that Emily was on the phone. The rest of the pack was there too; I heard all of their voices except Jacob's and Jared's. 'The patrol isn't back yet…' I struggled to breathe. 'Please let Jacob be here… I need him here. Please.'

Suddenly I felt abnormally cool hands on my body. "Isabella." Opening my eyes, I gazed into golden depths. Carlisle blinked slowly. "Can you hear me?" I nodded hesitantly. "Are you sure you want to do this naturally? In a few minutes you'll be too far along to give you any anesthetics."

I drew in a deep breath and nodded again. "Where's Jacob…"

Emily appeared beside Carlisle. "Embry told him. The patrol's on their way. They should've been back by now, I don't know…"

"Bella!"

The low voice was laced with fear; concern. His face soon appeared above me, dark brown eyes searching my own. "I'm here, Bells. It's okay."

I gazed up at him, trying to focus on him instead of the dull ache that was spreading throughout my core. Yet another contraction hit me, rendering me helpless as I squeezed Jake's hand. I felt him hold tight, and then he spoke, words directed at Carlisle.

"Do something!"

The pain faded away as suddenly as it had come, and I opened my eyes to observe Carlisle. Finally, he sprung into action, rolling up his sleeves.

"Emily, get everyone out who needn't be in here," he murmured as he took a needle to inject into my arm. "We know Jake's staying."

"I will, too," Billy said slowly. No one objected.

"And me," Alice added. Carlisle shook his head, and began to argue.

"Alice, no –"

"She can stay." Everyone fell silent at my soft voice. "Em, would you call my dad? I know he won't be here in time, but I want him to be here afterwards…"

"Of course, sweetie," Emily smiled, ushering everyone out before exiting herself.

"Bella, we need to remove your clothes," Carlisle murmured. I bit my lip, glancing at Billy. 'I don't care about Alice or Jacob, and Carlisle's a doctor, but Billy…'

"I'll leave, for Bella's sake," he said, beginning to wheel out. "Let me know when she's close."

Carlisle went about undressing me, letting Jake help with my panties. I kept my bra on, and the doctor hooked me up to a heart monitor machine once again. He stuck me with a needle, leaving the IV in my hand. I was covered with a blanket.

"Now, the wait begins," Carlisle murmured. Jake had pulled up a chair beside my bed, and sat close, holding the hand that didn't contain the IV. Carlisle settled in an armchair against the wall. Alice and Emily – who had apparently returned – lingered somewhere near the foot of my bed.

"You're five inches dilated, Bella," Carlisle informed me. "Halfway there. As far as how much longer, well… I've had women go through labor in less than an hour. Others take days." He glanced at Jake, then back to me. "However, if you're not at ten inches in six hours, we'll induce you, if that's alright with you."

I nodded, unable to imagine being in so much discomfort for so long. 'Hopefully I'm one of those 'less than an hour' girls.'

Two hours crawled by. Carlisle checked my dilation every half hour. 'The last time he did it, I was eight.' I sighed, taking a sip of the herbal tea Emily had made me. Said woman sat in a chair next to Alice. The psychic vampire was trying to see any part of the future, like she'd been attempting for the past hour. Unfortunately, nearly all of the impending future involved the wolf pack, rendering her ability useless. Nevertheless, she kept at it.

Jake was currently camped out beside me still, half lying on the bed so I could rest my head against his shoulder. He'd been whispering nothings and promises in my ear to distract me, but was beginning to nod off. 'Poor Jake. He hasn't slept properly in days, what with the patrols and my condition.' I focused on his breathing, anticipating each rush of hot air on my skin before it came. The room was tepid and comforting. At ease, like I wanted it; as opposed to a public hospital.

The sudden quickening of a beeping noise drew me out of my somber state. Carlisle was standing, and moved to the machine opposite of my heart monitor. 'Obviously it's not my heartbeat…' Clueless, I shook Jake gently to rouse him.

"Oh dear," Carlisle murmured. It dawned on me that the machine was monitoring the baby's heart rate. Jake raised his head sleepily.

"What is it?" I asked forcefully.

"Bella, I need you to stay calm, alright? The umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck. I need to turn you on your side and apply pressure…" Jake held onto my hand as Carlisle did so, and I gasped at the push I felt. The baby was quiet within me.

"Doc, what's going on?" Jake demanded when Carlisle didn't take any other action. He looked concentrated. 'Listening for the baby's heartbeat with his own ears…'

"We need to induce her," Carlisle stated lowly, measuring an amount of liquid to inject me with. I blinked. 'I didn't even see him move over there. Damn vampires.' "I don't want to risk her or the infant's health." He came toward me with the needle.

I nodded, not having much choice. The needle was in my arm, and not five minutes away, the contractions were mere seconds apart. Emily changed the bed sheets quickly when my water broke, and Jake carefully held me in his arms above the bed. When he put me back down, he let me squeeze his hand all I needed; I couldn't do him any harm. Carlisle raised his head from between my feet.

"Excellent. You're fully dilated, Bella." He stood, nodding at Alice and Emily. Alice put her gloves on and Emily went to get Billy. "Do you feel the need to push?" I nodded quickly, instincts beginning to take over. My eyes drifted over to watch Emily put gloves on too. Billy sat by the chairs, well out of the way. Carlisle stooped back down.

"I'm going to count to ten, Bella. You're going to push until I finish, then relax, then repeat." I nodded again, breathing labored as the constriction in my lower tummy tied into painful knots.

"Where is she?"

At the same moment I heard my father's voice, the urge came on strongly. I pushed, holding my breath in my lungs.

"… Three, four, five…" Carlisle murmured, glancing up as Charlie's face came into view on the other side of Jacob.

"Bella…"

"Nine, ten. Exhale." I let my breath out in a whoosh. Charlie knelt down next to me. I grimaced.

"Hi dad." My voice was strained. He smiled, but it was forced.

"Bells, honey." He looked up at Carlisle. "Take care of my daughter." Carlisle nodded curtly, and Charlie leaned down to kiss my forehead. "I'm gonna wait outside with Billy." I watched him leave.

"Bella." I tried to focus on the vampire's stunning face. "We need to get the baby out." I took a deep breath and nodded, concentrating on the task I was faced with. "I need you to push. Now."

My teethed gritted together as I pushed, squeezing Jake's hand. The pain was worse than anything I'd ever endured – even the venom when James had bit me. Tears trickled down my cheeks.

"Seven, eight, nine," he murmured as a cry escaped me. "…Ten." I relaxed, chest heaving. "Good Bella, he's crowning. One or two more pushes should do it." I dimly realized the doctor had said 'he'. 'Carlisle can't know… Can he?'

"Bells, look at me." I turned my eyes on Jake, still panting, and studied his chocolate eyes. Within them, I saw fear, anxiety, excitement, worry… Yet I also recognized the struggle to stay strong. 'For me…' "You're gonna be okay. We'll get through this." He kissed my cheek. "Push, baby."

"One, two, three, four…" I felt the blood rushing to my face as Carlisle counted. "Nine, ten. Great Bella, one more push." The pressure was intense, and the pain nearly unbearable. My body was so tired. 'Finish this. You can rest after… Just stay conscious for a little while longer.'

"Alright Bella, push!" Carlisle urged. I sucked in one last breath and pushed hard. "One, two three," he counted forcefully. I growled a scream, gripping Jake's hand hard enough to surely break a normal human's fingers.

"C'mon Bells…"

"Six, seven, eight…"

And then, the pressure was gone. Carlisle's voice was gone. Some of the pain was gone. My head fell back against the pillow as Carlisle turned with a tan something in his hands. Emily had a blanket. A quiet noise brought tears to my ears, though I was baffled as to why… Then I realized it was the cry of my baby. Carlisle turned around and came closer, placing a warm bundle against my chest. I raised an arm to carefully hold it close.

"It's a girl," Carlisle whispered, pulling a portion of the blanket away to reveal the most gorgeous thing I'd ever seen. Two beautiful auburn eyes gazed up at me; the crying had ceased. I touched her cheek in amazement.

"Jade," Jacob whispered. I turned my head to look at the man to my left. There were subtle tears in his eyes as well. He leaned forward to touch her dark hair, and she reached up with a tiny hand and gripped one of his fingers in her little fist. I nodded, smiling through my tears – tears of joy now.

"Jade Lynn." Neither of us could take our eyes from the little miracle in my arms, but I felt Jake's nod of agreement. 'He was right about waiting to name her… It's instinct.'

"You did it, Bells," he whispered, grinning.

"Jade Lynn… Swan?" Carlisle questioned, pen and clipboard in hand. I finally tore my eyes away from her, obliging the vampire. Jade made a small noise.

"Jade Lynn Black." I adverted my eyes to Jake, and he confronted me with brown eyes of awe and affection. I smiled. "For the future to come."

Jade made a quiet noise of agreement.


I opened my eyes, squinting in the bright sunlight that filled the room. The scent of cinnamon filled my nose. Quiet music played from downstairs. I glanced at the clock on the wall. 'Nine a.m.' Today was my 18th birthday.

Jake had been gone all morning, running patrols and whatnot, but another warm body cuddled me. I lowered my eyes to the little girl that lie beside me. Her dark brown hair was splayed out on the white pillow beneath her head. Her breathing was soft and even, with a slight rise and fall of her shoulder. My daughter; Jade Lynn Black.

To everyone's surprise – especially Carlisle's –, she was growing at an incredible rate. Although I'd heard all the stories of increased growth development within the wolf pack, it hadn't really crossed my mind that Jade could have inherited that gene from Jake. My little girl appeared about three years old, though she was only a few weeks. Her growth was literally visible from the start of the day to the end. Billy had eased my troubled mind with wise words, explaining that Seth had been the same way; he'd grown at an insane rate, appearing twelve when he was technically only a year old. Because of this reason, the pack had been his only comfort and social interaction. Billy guessed that Jade would have the ability to phase, and eventually her pause in growth would balance out her age.

I sighed, sitting up carefully. 'It's all too complicated. Too many ifs and maybes. We'll wait and see.' Movement came from beside me, and I turned to see beautiful red-brown eyes gazing up at me. She grinned, flashing canines that rivaled her father's in sharpness.

"Happy birthday mommy."

I couldn't hold back my smile. With a quick kiss on the cheek, she hopped out of bed and dashed downstairs with speed that I couldn't even begin to match. I sat in bed awhile longer, reveling in her health and Jake's proximity.

My contentment was soon chased away by dread. 'I'd bet my last day as a human that Alice has put together a huge party.' I sighed, recalling when I'd begged her not to make a fuss about this. She had simply smiled and told me she "wouldn't do anything too drastic". 'Her opinion of drastic is much different from mine,' I thought grudgingly.

Finally forcing myself to get up, I threw the covers from my body and curled my toes at the feel of the fuzzy carpet beneath my soles. It made me think of Jake's soft russet fur. For some reason, his wolf form left me intrigued. I found his ability to change quite appealing, and found myself jealous at some times. 'I'll be his natural enemy soon.' The thought saddened me.

"Bell-la!" Emmett's booming voice greeted me as I took the last stride from the bottom stair and onto the cool wooden floor. I attempted a smile at my two families who lingered downstairs, mingled collectively. 'They've come together for my birthday.' A genuine smile graced my lips.

"This is it for your party, Bella," Alice said sulkily. "I didn't go crazy, like you wanted me to. Besides your father, no one else is invited."

"'Cept Edward and Rosie. But they aren't coming." Emmett turned his nose up in mock disgust, earning a giggle from Jade.

'Edward doesn't even have the decency to see my baby, let alone be here for my birthday and to say goodbye to 'human Bella'.'

With a pang of sadness, I realized today was the last day I'd see my dad for quite awhile. My eyes must have betrayed my emotions, because Carlisle came over to me, talking quietly as an arm came around my shoulders gently.

"Esme and I are going to watch Jade for the day. Take her to an amusement park, so you can enjoy this last day as a human."

I stared at him. "Carlisle, I can't ask you to…"

"You didn't ask, eh? I offered." He winked as we noticed Jade eavsdropping on our conversation. "Would you like to go to Raging Waters with Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle?"

She nodded enthusiastically, and was then distracted by Alice. I took the opportunity to lean closer to him and whisper, "Aunt and uncle…?"

Carlisle smiled. "We don't appear old enough to be grandparents."

"Happy Birthday, honey."

Charlie hugged me close, fastening the diamond necklace with the silver chain around my collar in the process. I smiled at him, murmuring a quiet thank you. He shrugged his coat on.

"Come back and visit soon, alright?"

"I will, dad."

He embraced me one last time, hugging me hard, and then departed for the door. As he left, I heard him exclaim, then laugh from around the corner. Curious, I followed him, and found Jared, Jake and Seth at the door. Charlie waved from his patrol car as he drove off. I smiled as Jake squeezed me, kissing me quickly.

"What're you guys doing here?"

"We're here to jailbreak you," Seth grinned.

I hesitated. "C'mon Bells, come run with your wolf family one last time, while you can still get outta breath." I smiled and glanced outside; the sky was painted with colours of orange and pink. Unable to resist the temptation, I turned back around.

"Thank you for the party, Alice." She rolled her eyes. "Could you tell Carlisle to keep Jade safe? Maybe let Charlie watch her tomorrow; I don't want her to see."

Alice nodded in understanding. "We'll watch her after your transformation, Bella. Go have fun. Last chance in this body." She smiled, and I turned and followed my pack out into the night, oblivious to the frost of the forest.

"You remember our first kiss?"

"Mmn," he hummed, holding my body tight against his. The touch of his large hands on my hips ignited little sparks within me. My body molded to his perfectly. The bonfire behind me lit up his dark eyes into golden-brown depths of promises kept and more to come.

"Remember when I first came to Forks, to stay?"

He nodded, silent this time. His eyes spoke enough words to captivate my attention. He was a creature of strength, warmth and freedom. He was my sun; my brightest star, on the darkest of nights. My light to forever guide me.

"You were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Clumsy, but beautiful." He grinned and I laughed softly, but then his toothy smile faded to a slight frown. "I'm gonna miss that."

I instantly knew what he meant, and my smile left my lips as well as I watched his gaze become distant. 'I'll be even more coordinated than him.'

"I'll miss your warmth. You'll be freezing to me." He cringed. "I'll miss the soft, vulnerable, clumsy girl that I fell in love with."

Sadness touched my brown eyes. "Does that mean you won't love me after this?" My voice was weak; feeble, as I asked the question that had been haunting my mind.

His gaze met mine, and slowly, affection collected in his eyes. He reached up to touch my cheek, gently. His voice was but a whisper.

"I said I'd love you 'til your heart stops beating, Bells…" My heart sank. "I never said I'd stop loving you after." The look in his eyes simply implied another promise to be kept.


Morning came much too soon after my passionate night with him. Fearing he'd feel different after my change, I'd given him everything I had, and stored every little detail in the back of my mind. 'Every sound he made, the way his hands held my hips, the tingle of his skin beneath my fingertips…' But now, the sun shone through the window, far too bright and taunting me with a beautiful day in the chaos of my existence. I buried my face further into the shoulder beneath me, attempting to drown myself in his sweet warmth. The movement roused him.

"Mn, Bells…?" He drew my body close against his, burying his nose in my hair and inhaling deeply. I savored the contact, but to my dismay, he seemed to remember, and released me. "C'mon Bells, we gotta get up and go meet the Cullens."

'Not the bloodsuckers?' With a slight tremor, I realized he'd accepted the mutual neutrality with the vampires. 'What have I done to this world…?'

"Don't make me pull you out of bed." He smiled, reaching for me. The attempt of being at ease was forced. I sat up, gazing at him. The truth seemed to be nearly within reach. 'This is the last day he'll love me like he does.' He leaned over to kiss my cheek. His lips were warm too. "Come shower with me." Standing, he held out a large hand to me. 'I will enjoy these final few hours with you.' His dark eyes were sad. I stood.

'Because it might be the last thing I ever do.'

"When are they supposed to be here?"

Carlisle turned around, pale skin shimmering in the sunlight with a god. I barely heard his reply; I was too entranced by the dance of light on his face.

"Soon."

The air was tense. I could only imagine what it felt like to Jasper. In fact, the blonde was pacing relentlessly, back and forth in front of the grass Jacob and I sat in. Leaning against the warm body, I closed my eyes in a feeble attempt to escape this reality. 'Go back to the carefree days when there were no vampires, and Jake wasn't yet a werewolf.' I could nearly replay the moment I saw Jake, when I first came back to Forks after so long. As a child, he had been my first crush. That day, his long hair had framed his face, accentuating those chocolate eyes.

"They're close." The deep rumble within the chest against me drew me out of my fantasy. Jacob stood, helping me up too, and I leaned against him, remaining a half-step behind him.

The air was cold, and still. We all stood motionless; I was blind and deaf as the vampires and werewolves around me heard and saw things that were invisible to me. My breaths were slightly uneven, whereas Jake's were steady and warm, clouding the chilled air.

There they were. They skimmed the shadows, keeping out of the sun. Only two; Aro and Jane. 'They must be convinced we won't give them any trouble.' A wave of rebellion washed over me, leaving the sweet taste of hatred on my tongue. Jasper shot me a warning glance, eyes golden.

"Well well well! All ready and waiting!"

It took all my willpower not to recoil from Aro's sickeningly kind voice. His eyes gleamed crimson. I turned my gaze to Jane; she fixed me with menacing, amused eyes. 'Fuck.' I returned my eyes to Aro, favoring him over the creepy blonde.

"Tell me, have you bore any children?"

I forced my gaze to remain steady. "One."

"Delightful." Aro's gaze swept over to Emmett, and the burly, raven-haired vampire addressed him with bold eyes. "Did you father this child? Though it may have been difficu–"

"I did."

My heart skipped two beats and my breath caught in my throat. 'Jacob, no…' The elderly vampire locked those crimson eyes on Jake, frowning. Jane's expression was that of repulsion. "Excuse me?"

The corner of Jake's lips turned up in amusement at their confusion. He kept his eyes on Aro, though he answered Jane's question.

"I fathered the child."

Aro's frown deepened. "Do you mean to tell me that Isabella's child is a hybrid werewolf?"

"We believe she has the ability to phase," Carlisle murmured, stepping in to divert the attention from the man who was supposed to be dead already. "She's just a bit warmer than the average human. It seems she has more werewolf DNA than human."

Aro glanced back at Jacob, then me, studying us. Finally, he chuckled. "Well, no matter. Hybrids have been in existence in centuries before. And Isabella will be a vampire. Our problems are solved." He smiled smugly at me. "Speaking of that… Who would you like to do the honors, Isabella?"

My throat closed for a moment and I lost my ability to speak, but Jake touched my elbow. As if the simple contact channeled courage from him into me, I drew in a deep breath and spoke. "Carlisle." My eyes shifted to the blonde vampire. He didn't look surprised. We had discussed this beforehand; he had experience with the situation, and could control himself the best. I was nearly guaranteed to survive. "I want Carlisle to do it."

Aro nodded. "Splendid. Wise choice. Get on with it then."

I paled, and Carlisle stared. Jake growled softly. Carlisle was the first to recover. "Now?"

"Of course."

I wrinkled my nose, somehow finding to courage to speak again. "Can't we go inside the Cullen's house?" Aro stared at me. 'Why not? It's not like I'm gambling my life anymore.'

"I suppose. Just the two of you." He grinned. "Wouldn't want any distractions."

Jake stepped forward, obviously eager to make an angry remark, but I grabbed his arm. He whipped around to face me.

"Don't, Jake."

"Bells, I'm not just gonna–"

"Shh." My finger descended on his lips, effectively silencing him. His brown eyes spoke for him, expressing his concern and objection. "It'll be better this way. You won't have to see me suffer."

"I'll take care of her, Jacob," Carlisle murmured sincerely.

After a moment more of hesitation, Jake spoke words of defeat. "Bring her back to me, Doc."

Aro smiled. "Wonderful."

"How painless can you make it?"

Carlisle turned around, the rays of sunlight filtering through the window casting glitters on his skin. He stood near the counter, preparing a needle from his medical kit. His golden eyes shifted to me as he sighed. He put the needle down on a white washcloth and ran a hand through his white-blonde hair. It was the most stressed I'd ever seen him.

"I've never changed a perfectly healthy human before, Bella. My other patients were deathly ill, and were half conscious when they felt the pain. Not to mention they were sedated… It's no use to give you any type of painkiller; the venom will just burn it right out of your bloodstream. Honestly, I don't know." His eyes lowered to the ground, and I leaned back against the counter. 'This is it.'

My breath escaped through my lips in a whoosh. Carlisle raised his head and came closer, his wise gaze somehow comforting. 'He was definitely the best choice. He has experience. He knows what he's doing.' I bit my lip, worrying it between my teeth, and then released it to speak. "If you can't make it any less painful, can you make it less traumatizing?"

His smile lightened the mood in the tense room a bit more. "I will most definitely be as gentle as possible. That's also what this shot is for." He held up the sharp needle. "Could you roll your sleeve up for me?" I did so, looking away as he injected the liquid into my arm.

'Ow.' "What's this for?"

"Just a sedative. You can't be too excited or antsy when the venom is introduced, or your heart will most likely fail." He pulled the needle from my arm, wiping the tiny amount of blood off with a washcloth. He waited until I looked up at him again. "It will burn, Bella. Worse than when James bit you, because then, you barely got past the first stage of change. Today, you'll suffer through all four." I nodded, trying to relax my tensed muscles. Every sense in my body felt like it was on overload. "Now, where would you like the puncture marks?"

I bit the tip of my tongue, and then leaned back against the counter. "We might as well keep it traditional. My neck."

Carlisle smiled again with a simple nod, the beauty of his face enhanced by his flawless teeth. He came close, standing before me. Cold radiated from his body. "Sit on the counter, Bella." I obeyed, gripping the edge with both hands. I was uncertain if it was how cold he was or his hand brushing the hair from my face that made me shudder. The left side of my neck was exposed; I knew he'd go for the jugular. My eyes shut tight. 'This isn't right…' I couldn't help feeling a bit seduced by this charming gentleman, though it was purely innocent.

His mouth was near my ear now. "Relax," he whispered, cool air rushing past the shell of my ear. I held back another shiver as he tucked the annoying strands of hair behind my ear.

"I'm so sorry Bella," he murmured, lips cool on my throat. I nearly giggled half-hysterically at the reality of him apologizing in this situation. Instead, I gritted my teeth, preparing myself. In an instant, he sank his teeth into my neck.

There was no preparing myself. The pain was excruciating. It made my mind swim, and I fisted his shirt sleeve in my hand as a broken scream escaped me. It did burn, and I felt the flames licking through my veins. My vision blurred. Carlisle's voice was morphed into something I couldn't understand. He had let go… But the venom was already doing its job. My teeth sliced through my lip as I made an effort not to cry out again. Surely I was dying; the pain was white hot, searing my heart. Surely my body could simply take no more.

Ba-bum.

Ba-bum.

Silence.