Day One

This was the worst feeling. The burn moved slowly down my throat where Edward bit me. It was so intense I screamed. I wanted to put my hand to my neck to stop the pain but something stopped me. It felt like an anchor was on my arm.

The flame moved down to my chest. I could feel it hit my heart and it started to beat faster. My heart felt like it would explode with fire. This flame was far worse than what James did to me those two years ago. I could tell that walking into a back draft would be child's play compared to this. This was pure torture. I thrived for it to be over, but I had days to go.

Edward Cullen

Her screams for it to stop made me hate myself. Her life seemed to have gotten worse since the day I declared my love to her. James was my fault, the Volturi was my fault. Her becoming what I am was my fault and yet this beautiful woman still loved me with all her being.

"You did good on the bite Edward," Carlisle said. "We didn't even need the syringes." Carlisle then sat down next to me. I know you didn't want her to change but don't make this your fault. "I can't help it. They're coming because I fell in love with her. Of course it's my fault." Edward they're coming to protect our kind. "So you agree with them?"

"That's ridiculous don't twist my words," Carlisle continued," but as we all know the Volturi never does anything simply. Over react to things if you will." Bella tried moving her hand but I stopped her. "We'll have to try and find a way out of this," My wife will not spend her eternity with fools like Demetri Caius Aro or Jane. I took a vow to protect her long ago and I will never break it.

"How did you get out? When you worked for them." Carlisle was part of their coven once before and left. There should be a similar way out for us.

"I was allowed to leave because I paid my debt if that's what you want to call it," he started. "I ended up in Italy as a new born. Because I had will power and wasn't doing things to show our true identity they let me live but for a price." He stopped for a moment and I saw the conversation he had with Aro in his mind.

"After a few years I asked to leave. My wish was easily granted because Demetri didn't like me much," he laughed," He was more than happy to have me leave. But things will be more difficult for you and Bella." We both stared at her weary face. She stopped screaming for the moment, but there were still moans of agony.

They saw her before we changed her. She knew our secret as a human. In their minds there are only two choices: death or work.

"Do they have to be so damn… stubborn! And we all know it's not work but slavery." Cauis, Marcus Aro or anyone giving orders and my Bella having to answer to them... My head should be throbbing with these thoughts but that could never happen. "How long do you think we'll have to stay?" Knowing Aro and they way his mind works it could be a decade or two. Carlisle's face looked sympathetic.

"A decade or two? We can't and wont stay that long." I felt like picking up the bookshelf across the room and ripping it to shreds but I didn't dare leave Bella's side. Her moans grew worse and her hand was tightly gripped around mine. Her body temperature dropped about a degree after this short time and I was surprised. She seemed to be changing rather quickly. I looked at her angel face and was more determined to stop her from being a slave to those in Italy.

The more I thought of this the more I grew angry. I had to change the subject before I went crazy. "Did you talk to those dogs about a new treaty?" This wasn't exactly a better subject but it was better than thinking of the other. "Yes. It was difficult because of Billy--" Carlisle let out a scoff and it surprised me," but it was done. It goes into affect once Bella's finished."

When Bella is finished. Despite everything that was going on I was excited for her to be done. It's the most selfish thing I've ever done in my existence, but knowing that she will forever be mine made me more than happy. No words could describe my love for this beautiful woman and it still shocks me everyday that she feels the same. Even though I've risked her life so many times-- and this new one being the worst-- she has stayed. I don't deserve her love but she gives me all of it each day and it will never stop. I was eternally grateful.

You're not going to leave her side are you? Emmett said went he walked in. "Don't count on it," and he sighed at my response. I'm not surprised though I was hoping for a wrestling partner. "I'm sorry Emmett but I wont be able to for a couple of days. Well maybe more like years." I nodded my head. "Don't talk like that. You'll find a way out of slaving for those bastards!" I rolled my eyes but thanked my brother. Have fun waiting and he left. I'll leave the two of you now and Carlisle was behind him.

I looked at the clock above the door frame and let out a sigh. "Sixty seven hours to go," and my love's hand gripped tighter.

Day Two

It seemed like years the way the transformation was going. Pure fire and I begged for it to be done. My whole body throbbed with the venom seeping through my veins and my heart. My brain burned the worst. It was unbearable I had so much time to go.

Though this pain was one of the only things I thought about, Edward's talk with Carlisle was also on my mind. I only heard certain parts because of my screaming and moaning, but the statement that stood out the most was when Edward shouted "a decade or two."

Those words stuck in my mind like a nail in the wall. Ten to twenty years of stone walls, innocent humans becoming meals and chalky skinned vampires was not the way I wanted to start this new life. Just like Edward, I was desperate to find a way out.

I thought about the work I would have to do. No one has ever described what the Volturi actually did with their time. Yes they protect their city, but how? What would or could I do to help them with that?

And the more I thought of working for them the more I didn't want the burn to stop.

Alice Cullen

It was only a matter of time before this vision would show up. I ignored thinking about it for so long because, well, it was just plain awful. Edward and Bella don't deserve this "ever after". Committed to an eternity of service for the Volturi. They've been through enough haven't they? They need a rest. And I need a rest too. I'm going to be right beside my brother and sister in this service and we're all going to need time off.

This family has me working constantly on what's going to happen to who. Or to rephrase "Alice's what's going on with Bella?" Since the day he met her I've been working over time. Of course I didn't mind, I was just as concerned about her as anyone, but sometimes Edward was just over protective. Just like Jasper was with me.

Jazz. I don't know how I'm going to tell him. I always knew that I was going to have to go with Edward and Bella but I didn't dare tell Jazz that from the start. He'd have picked me up and put me in hiding and that's the worst possible decision. Of course he wouldn't care about it being the wrong thing to do, just as long as I was safe. I sometimes loved how he protected me but other times he was just ridiculous. I decided to check in on Edward and the nicely changing Bella.

She's going to be fine. I can already see it. She'll be beautiful.
"She always has been Alice," and he kept his eyes on her.
"Oh you know what I mean," he was so unbearable sometimes.

"Have you talked to Jasper yet?" and this time he looked at me. No not yet. I don't know what to do about this. I can't have him go with us. "Now who's over protective," he barked. "You know you'd do the same thing in my shoes." He's debating on doing that now. A thousand different possibilities flew when I clicked to his future and all of them ended badly. "Yes of this I'm sure but Alice we still can't be sure of when they're coming and the more you wait on telling Jazz is less time you have to say goodbye."

"I don't like goodbyes Edward," and I sighed. "I know but right now none of us has a choice," and he stoked Bella's cheek. I knew what to do then. I could no longer procrastinate.

I found him in the garage cleaning the motorcycle Edward given him a few months back. He didn't look at me when he asked," Why so nervous?" and I instantly felt relaxed. It didn't stop the thoughts as well as it usually did.

"Jazz, I have to talk to you," then I hesitated. I just couldn't do it, not right now. I was about to lie when I heard a growl coming from Edward. "Stupid brother. Such an eavesdropper," I hissed at him and I heard a chuckle.

"What's going on Alice?" and Jasper grabbed my hand. The touch felt electric like it always did. That only made it harder. "So you know how I said Edward and Bella were going to Italy?" he nodded," well I didn't tell you the entire truth." Jasper stopped breathing then. I stopped for a moment. "Keep going Alice," he said and I obeyed. "Well I have to go too," that's when he lost it. His hand gripped tighter around mine and his eyes were hard. "Absolutely not! You're not leaving!"

"Jazz I have to or it's Bella's head! Or my head!" Couldn't he understand the possibilities? I wouldn't be able to live the rest of this life knowing something happened to Bella and it was my fault. Because I was being selfish or Jasper wanted to put me in hiding. And I wouldn't let them go alone.

"You can't leave with them. They'll torture you if you go," he said. "And if I stay they'll still threaten my life! If I hide they will find and either destroy me or threaten me with something I care most about and Jasper I cant risk that! It's out of the question." I was breathing rapidly and so was he. "You going is out of the question."

"And where would I go if I didn't leave with them?" I waited for an answer while he thought. He paced for a minute and said," We'll go to the house in New England for a short while."

"Goodness Jasper that's a horrible idea and you know it. We'd get caught after a brief time. They wont stop to find me."

"I can't have you leave Alice. I just can't," and he pulled me for a hug.

We stayed that way until the sun went down then we stopped. "Please don't go. I'll protect you," and our lips met. "No Jazz. It's my turn to protect you."

Day Three

The scorch was less intense but only in the slightest. It was something you didn't get used to even after three days. It had to have almost been over by now. I just couldn't deal.

During the last few hours I heard Edward talk to Carlisle and Esme. The subject of conversation was light-- how wonderful I'd turn out-- because the true subject at hand was too terrible to speak of anymore, even if it was to happen soon.

Just then I heard Alice walk up the stairs along side Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie. "She's just about ready," Alice's soprano voice said with excitement.

As soon as she said that my heart quickened at an abnormal pace. It grew faster as the burn increased and this was the worse pain of the three days. I screamed hysterically for it to stop… Then it did. I opened my eyes.

Everything was so clear. The colors were so mesmerizing compared to my human eyes. I heard the freeway, people arguing at the closest house to ours and that was 5 miles away. I even heard music playing at the local grocery store. It was amazing and I wanted more so I ran to the window to see the green moss over brown trunks. Everything shot out like a 3-D movie but better. And the smells. Everything had it's own scent, stronger than ever before and I could smell it all. It was so breath taking.

"Bella," and I turned quickly to see people in the room. For that short second I forgot about them. They all looked extremely different, especially Jasper. His bite marks were more vivid than I remembered. Esme's hair seemed to have natural highlights and Rosalie was ten times more beautiful if that was even possible. New eyes changed everything. But Edward, my Edward, was the best looking person in the room. When I looked at him I swallowed hard because I was nervous then I felt the thirst my throat was so dry.

His flawless face looked at mine with worry and I couldn't fathom why."Bella are you okay?" even his voice sounded better, his impeccable melody. I felt overwhelmed when I saw him and heard his voice that I ran into his arms. Though instead of us having a love embrace, I accidentally knocked him to the floor, but I didn't care, I hugged him anyway. I heard Emmett chuckle then Edward said, "Ow Bella," he laughed, "Can I get up please." I lightly got up on my feet, my face had to have looked sheepish. "Sorry," and I was surprised at who talked. It couldn't have been mine. It was a note or two below Alice's melodic voice. So many new things that I'd have to get used to.

"It's alright. Are you feeling ok?" and Edward's face looked concerned and so was his voice. It bothered me a lot and also made me nervous. "I'm feel fine. A dry throat but fine," and when I said this aloud my throat felt like a desert. I wanted to get that cured. "Can we fix that please?" and everyone looked at me with awe.

"How can she be controlling herself so well?" Jasper whispered. He was nodding his head a bit. "Of course we can fix your thirst. Let's go," Edward said.

"Wait! You promised me I can show her herself in the mirror first!" Alice protested. Edward groaned. "Alice we really should hunt--" but she already grabbed my hand we were out the door. I heard Edward mutter "Impossible annoying girl" and his footsteps were right behind ours.

We were then in Alice's closet and she put me on the pedestal in front of her three way mirror. The person I saw made me smile. Her face was a perfect oval and her eyes shaped almond. They were blood red but that added a bit of character for now. Her figure was seamlessly aligned. Hips curved and matched the way the calves were shaped and everything else went together like a dream. My favorite was the hair, down slightly past the waist and chocolate brown with waves.

"That's me?" I mouthed and Alice laughed. I heard Edward sigh but he had a smile on his face too. I walked to him and, gently this time, hugged him. After a moment he kissed me and it was the best new thing of this new life. It felt different than all those thousands of kisses we shared before and his perfume was sweeter. Who knew he was holding back this much.

Then Alice coughed and I pulled away from my angel. "You guys should hunt now," and she left her closet. Edward stared at my eyes, winced, then put on a small smile. "Let's hunt," then we walked down stairs. When we reached the back door he said, "Let's see how fast you are," and he took off toward the river. I followed.

It was great, the speed. All the trees didn't even blur like they would with human eyes. I didn't need to concentrate on hitting anything either. Running was already second nature to me but then I saw Edward jump across the river and I stopped. That didn't feel like second nature yet.

"It's okay Bella. It not that hard really." His eyes looked encouraging but the river was so wide I was still nervous. "Take a step back if you feel the need," so I did. I took a deep breathe and jumped. It was so effortless I laughed at my being afraid before. I landed several feet in front of the river when I looked back. "You were right that was easy," and we kept running. After a few minutes we stopped.

"Okay your first lesson. What do you hear?" and I concentrated. I heard blue jays flying over head, a squirrel climbing a tree three yards down and a group of elk about half a mile southeast. When I told him this he said, "Good" and we were off.

We stopped a few feet behind them and then I couldn't hear anything but my prey's heart beat and it made my mouth water. Edward said something and he was tackling the largest elk. He growled, broke it's neck and fed. The others fled so I went after one. It didn't take long for me to catch one they weren't as fast as I was. Once I grabbed a single elk I did just as Edward. I broke it's neck but it didn't die instantly like his. I had to do it twice before I got to feed. The warm blood felt amazing and did wonders to my throat.

While feeding I heard footsteps and I stopped to see who it was and it was Edward. His shirt was still bleach white and his pants were just as clean. When I looked at my grey sweater and jeans I was covered in blood and dirt. I felt like a five year old playing with dinner. I went to finish my elk and when I was done Edward said, "This is something that's going to take time getting used to," then he laughed," Of course it will be easier if you always look this adorably messy." I growled at him but he just laughed again. "Don't worry it gets easier. You have to still be thirsty correct?" I nodded. "Okay. Listen again and this time I'll follow you."

I heard more elk running near the mountain side so I took off. Edward was next to me when we ran. I looked over at him and his face was doing the same as mine. We smiled at one another. I could definitely get used to this.

After another hour of hunting with four of my elk dry we went home. When we were a mile from the house we walked hand in hand and it made it happy.

When we were inside Emmett was watching TV and when he saw my blood stained outfit he howled with laughter. I wanted to punch his face in but Jasper felt my rage and he stood next to me and I was suddenly calm. I'd get Emmett later.

The rest of the afternoon and early evening was a fair time. We all mostly watched TV and Edward and Alice tried playing a few rounds of chess. Alice's new record of frustration was a minute thirty-four seconds. It was always great looking at her flip the chess board.

Around eleven o'clock things died down. Rose and Emmett went to their bedroom and Carlisle left for the night shift at the hospital. Alice forced me try on new clothes in her room and I gave her a hard time through all of it. Stupid designer clothes.

Then she looked distant. When she came back to reality Edward burst into the room. "Are you sure?" and she nodded. "Sure about what, Alice?" I hated being left out.

"We have three days," she said.

My happy feeling was then gone.

hey everyone and thank you for reading! i truly appreciate it especially since i'm new to the game around here.
i just wanted to let people know, if you're subscribed or not, that i'm behind on my writing but i will try to post a new chapter by next sunday.
i needed to be sure of certain things and had to refer to the books so i could be accurate and that type of stuff. either way if you're reading thank you so so so much
i'm truly grateful and i'll be back with a new chapter soon. wonder if the volturi will be coming in or not ;)