Chapter 6
As I entered theguestroom that Garrett had been using for the past few weeks, I was weary of leaving him to take a shower. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen if he left my sight. I knew, logically, that everything would be perfectly fine and nothing would happen, but it didn't help that I felt such a pull to this vampire.
"I'll be right outside the door," he said soothingly, looking at me like he knew exactly what I was feeling. I squeezed his hand that I had grabbed a hold of before leaving the attic. I was surprised to find that the room I had turned in was clean, and only contained a bed with covered with a comforter.
I nodded, but still didn't move. Instead, I looked at him, not knowing what I needed, or wanted.
I wanted a shower and clean clothes, but for some reason, I was unable to get my legs to move. They were glued to the floor.
Garrett didn't seem to be in much better shape mentally, but was able to fight whatever he was feeling between us. I guessed because he was older and had more years and practice than I did.
"I'll stand right outside that door," Garrett said, pointing to the bathroom door. I followed the movement, looking quickly that way before turning my eyes back to Garrett.
Garrett's room was filled with a large king size bed coveredwith a dark red comforter, a long dresser, and a flat screen TV. It was simple, but felt like home. Anywhere that he was would be home to me, I realized.
I nodded, mumbling an 'okay' before slowly releasing his hand and making my way to the bathroom. The floor was tiled in a dark brown, giving more attention to the whiteness of the countertop and huge bathtub. The shower was lined with dark tiles, and the shower head was a waterfall. I loved it instantly. It had been so long since I had such a nice shower, in a nice place like this.
I was in awe.
"Go on," Garrett urged me, gently pushing me farther into the room. "Here's some clothes that Nessie found in your car. And a hair brush." He handed me a pile of clothes with a bright pink brush with a tag still attached. "I'll let you get to it. Call if you need me, okay."
"Okay," I responded, setting the pile of items on the counter gently. I made sure to keep the door opened a crack just so I could keep his scent close by.
I had expected things to be different, but really everything looked the same for the most part. Things were brighter, and I could see perfectly clear, unlike it had been a month ago or even just a week ago. I didn't need to worry about tearing my clothes, like Edward had explained would happen because of my strength. I knew I could, but I already knew the correct amount of force to use which Garrett had said was unusual.
I quickly stripped out of my filthy clothes, just now noticing how dirty they were. There was dirt stains along with blood and a few tears I couldn't remember having. I shrugged, not really concerned about it. It was probably a better idea for me not to know.
I froze as I saw my reflection in the mirror above the sink. My hair was wild, my red eyes bright, and my body was in perfect shape. I had been used to seeing my ribs, so seeing myself filled out so nicely was a shock.
Vampirism suited me. There was no denying it.
Shaking my head to get my thoughts back in order, I turned to the shower, seeing the warm steam rise around me.
The water washed over me as I stepped in into the hot stream. I enjoyed the feel of the water as I lathered my body and cleaned the dirt and blood away. After rinsing the soap away, I took the closest shampoo, washing my hair and rinsing before stepping out and grabbing a fluffy dark blue towel, wrapping it around myself. I took another smaller towel of the same color, wrapping my dripping hair up to help absorb the extra water.
Keeping my eyes trained away from the mirror so I didn't get distracted again, I got dressed in the clothes that Nessie had picked out for me. A pair of black yoga pants and a dark green tank top with a lace trim.
I quickly brushed me hair, feeling out of sorts once again. I wasn't sure if it was due to not quite being accustomed to being a vampire, or need to have Garrett within my sight. Just the thought of him brought me near to tears. My vision began to become fuzzy as my breathing increased.
Why? I have no idea.
Not able to get my emotions under control, or my breathing for that matter, I slid down with my back against the counter, laying my head on my knees. I couldn't get my thoughts to work with me. I knew I didn't have anything to worry about, but that didn't stop me from letting the panic take hold of me.
What if he had left me? Maybe he didn't want me, maybe I was keeping him from wherever he wanted to go. I always ruined everything no matter where I went.
"Oh, Bella, sweetheart," I heard Garrett's voice through the fuzzy haze that surrounded my mind and my vision. He gently picked me up and I instantly snuggled into his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck, anchoring myself to him. I vaguely noticed hehadchanged his torn shirt that he had on.
I concentrated on my breathing, not caring where he took us. He could have taken me to the moon, and I wouldn't have noticed, nor would I have cared. I just wanted him in any way I could have him at that very moment.
"I'm sorry, so sorry, Bella," Garrett mumbled, rocking me back and forth as I tried to block out my crazy thoughts. "I knew I should have come in as soon as I knew you were fully dressed. But I thought that maybe you would be okay."
"I was," I whispered out once my breathing evened out once again. "I don't know what happened."
"What do you know about mates, Bella?" Garrett asked, leaning back a bit so he could see me, meeting my eyes.
"Just what Edward had told me," I answered, thinking hard. He never really did explain what being mated was like between two vampires. I also told Garrett what Jake had told me not too long ago about imprinting. "It's like a soul has found its reason to live. Everything would be different, and they would be whatever they needed to be for the mated person."
"Well, Edward may be older in years, but his youth is still to be achieved," Garrett said. "Mates, at least for vampires, are unable to leave the mated person, no matter what. It would cause them both pain. At just thought of leaving a mate can cause panic and pain.
"A mate is unable to leave his other half, human or vampire, no matter what for a long length of time with no plans of returning. Most mated vampires mark their mates right away after being found, but in certaincircumstances, that is not the case."
"I know that everything is heightened right now for you, so I will try to explain the best that I can without causing you worry," he went on. "Being mated doesn't mean that you lose yourself. Instead, it makes you stronger. A mate will be whatever you need him to be. A friend, lover, anything."
He paused. I looked into his red eyes, understanding what he was trying to say without scaring me. He worried about how I would react to him, given my history.
"I'm your mate," I stated with ablink. It made sense. Everything did now.
"Yes," he answered wearily as he eyed me.
"Okay," I said, leaning my head back against his neck, not concerned at all.
When Edward had told me he was to be my mate, I felt trapped, not content like I had as soon as the words that I was his mate left Garrett's lips. With Garrett, I didn't feel like that. I felt safe, free like I had nothing to worry about. I knew he wouldn't leave me because I wasn't good enough. I was perfect for him, and him for me.
"Really? I didn't expect you to be so calm about this," Garrett said, pulling me closer to him, fearing I would change my mind.
"Yes, Garrett," I said, brushing my lips against his neck, causing him to shudder. "It makes sense. With you, I can be myself. With Edward, he wanted to control everything I did. I know you won't do that."
"Absolutely not," he said before pressing a light kiss to the top of my head. "I would never force you to be anything. I want you to be who you want to be. Edward may have thought you two were meant to be, but he was wrong. And I am so glad he was."
"Thank you Garrett," I whispered out. "Thank you for saving me."
"Of course, baby," he said, squeezing me tight against him. "I'd do anything for you."
"I'm not the normal type of vampire, am I?" I asked out after a moment of quiet.
"No. But I don't like normal," Garrett answered withoutmissinga beat. "You are amazing in every way, and we will have years to get to know one another better at whatever level you want. I'll be whatever you want and need me to be."
"I'm not a virgin," I blurted out. If I was still human, my face would be bright red. I felt Garrett freeze underneath me before he relaxed once again.
"That's okay. I don't expect anything like that for a while, baby," he said tenderly.
"But it will get there, won't it," I asked, feeling confused about what our life together would be like.
"Maybe. But not now. We will just live day by day and see where it takes us," he responded, bringing his hand up to my cheek and caressing it in a loving manner. His touch was gentle, warming me from the inside-out even though I wasn't cold.
We sat there for a few more minutes before Garrett said he wanted to go talk to Carlisle about a few things. I nodded, not really wanting to move from his hold, but did so anyway as he set me on my feet with a promise of taking a walk afterwards.
Standing side by side, I was still a good three or four inches shorter than him, making me shoulder level.
I held onto his hand tightly, fearing the worst. I knew that the two vampires I had once thought of as another set of parents were in this house, and I wasn't sure if I wanted anything to do with them. Or even if they knew who I was when Garret had brought me here.
"Relax, sweetheart," Garrett said towards me as we stepped down the stairs that led to the main floor. "There's nothing to fear."
That was easier said than done.
Feeling his strength steadied me, but only just. I worried that if Esme saw me, she'd either demand me to leave her house and never return, or she'd try to make up for lost time.
And I had to worry if Edward and Alice were somewhere around nearby. I wanted nothing to do with either one of them, ever again. They both left. Alice didn't even tell me good-bye.
I was tempted to cry. Her leavinghadcrushed me, as she was my best friend, or so I had thought.
With one last breath, I blocked off my emotions, hoping that Garrett wasn't leading me to my death.
Make sure to check out the links in my profile! I am on FB, and am currently working on another great story that will be Edward/Bella pairing. It will be named The Dark Prince (teasers, pic, and music is in the group - Autumn Butterflylives. I hope to start posting it in a few weeks once i have it mostly complete.
