Midnight

by Paranoid-puppy

Disclaimer: I don't want to own it. I don't own it. So don't sue. :)

A/N: From here things get a little crazy. :P Enjoy!

Warning! - Profanity, sexual themes, and violence

Ch. 10 - Omen

Darkness blanketed the landscape, a veil of shadow that lay unbroken save for small patches of light. Tall streetlamps lay alongside the road, trying in vain to overshadow the dark. The wind whispered ominously through the trees, leaf and branch singing an unknown song. The road below the midnight sky was curved and twisted, weaving it's way through the thick forestry. On this road a lone car traveled, rumbling along pleasantly. The driver was an ordinary man, heavyset in his waist with a trim goatee. He hummed to an old country song on the radio, scratching under his neck. His cotton shirt crinkled as he leaned forward, eyes squinting in an effort to see the dark road. Adjusting his headlights to the brights, he leaned back again in his seat. He started humming again, tapping the steering wheel along with the beat.

"The Devil went down to Georgia

He was looking for a soul to steal

And he was in a bind

'Cause he was way behind

And was willin' to make a deal."

The man's brow furrowed, his eyes spotting a figure coming out of the forest. He slowed his truck down, coming quickly upon the shrouded form. His eyes soon adjusted to the dark, the person's figure slowly being processed in his brain. A large raggedy cloak covered the tall body, obscuring facial features with its long hood. The truck driver frowned, glancing up towards the sky. It had just started raining again, large droplets crashing to the ground. The man watched as the figure shuffled along the road. Pity struck him suddenly, causing him to huff.

"Mara will kill me for this." He muttered. "But Lord strike me down if I don't do something." Shaking his head, the old driver pulled up alongside the road. He stopped at the stranger's side, rolling his window down to get a better view.

"Hey!" He cried, trying to get the person's attention. "You need help?"

The cloaked figure paused, ceasing movement entirely. The head turned to face the driver, features still superbly veiled. The man bit his lip, a vague sense of unease filling him. He willed it away as the rain increased in intensity.

"Hey look, the rain is gonna' start comin' down hard. You don't have a ride and I do. Hey if it makes ya feel better I'll even let ya drive." The driver smiled slightly as the person's head picked up at that. Seeing he had their attention, the man opened the car door, jumping out of the truck. He ambled slowly to the person, hand on top of his concealed pistol just in case. He wasn't a complete fool after all.

"Name's Martin Anthony." The man said, holding his hand out. The stranger looked at the proffered appendage with interest, before clasping it firmly with theirs. Emanating from the truck, the song played on, never stopping its beat.

"Johnny rosin up your bow

And play your fiddle hard.

'Cause hell's broke loose in Georgia

And the Devil deals the cards

And if you win you get this shiny fiddle made of gold

But if you lose the Devil gets your soul."

"My name is Darius." The voice was undoubtedly male, firm and smooth in its tone. "Might I ask why your willing to help me?" Darius pulled down his hood, revealing his head. His face was strikingly handsome with sharp, strong features. Straight black hair lay tied in a ponytail, the barest of strands sweeping over dark brows. His eyes were odd, piercing with a deep rich hue of gold. Martin just shrugged, muscles relaxing at the sight of the other man. He took his hand off his gun, safe with the stranger's clean-shaven appearance.

"Nothing more than kindness and pity, Sir. No offense or anything, but you looked right miserable in the rain." Martin squinted his eyes up into the sky. "It's really comin' down hard now."

"True." Darius stated. "But some like the rain. It has a certain…calming effect. Especially the smell. There is nothing like being in a spring shower."

"Um, okay." Martin laughed nervously. "So are you saying you don't want that ride?"

The odd man remained silent for a moment. He closed his eyes, nostrils flaring suddenly. Then he reopened them, irises seeming to glow eerily. Martin flinched at the sight of them, taking a reflexive step back.

"Not especially." The stranger commented. "But…I could use a meal. If it wouldn't trouble you any, of course?"

"Uh, I got a pack of beer and some chips. Will that do?" Martin frowned. "Then again, I believe there's a gas station a few miles from here. There should be a payphone there too. Do you want me to drop you off there?"

Darius chuckled, the sound husky and foreboding.

"I suppose I could travel there, but I think I should go after I get something in my stomach. I haven't had a…proper meal in quite a while, you see."

"The Devil opened up his case and he said,

I'll start this show.

And fire flew from his fingertips

As he rosined up his bow

And he pulled the bow across the strings

And it made an evil hiss

Then a band of demons joined in

And it sounded something like this."

"I…could fetch those chips and get ya a beer?" Martin asked, scratching the back of his neck anxiously. He swallowed hard when the odd man shook his head.

"No, no. That won't be necessary." Darius smiled. "Thank you though, you concern has been most…touching." Then with a monstrous roar, the man's body contorted into a massive beast. The creature seized Martin by the throat, tearing into soft flesh with grotesque fangs. The driver let out a strangled scream, blood gurgling up from his throat. He clawed uselessly at the monster, strength fading fast. Soon, the man went limp, blood pouring in large rivulets down his neck. The dark beast growled into the supple flesh, jerking the corpse around like a rag doll. It tore into the driver's body easily, consuming it with vicious intent. Dark blood stains matted its fur, crimson mingling with dark grey. For several moments, the creature Darius feasted upon his meal, filling his belly with warm skin and muscle. After he was done, all that was left was a mangled body, clothing left to tatters.

"Fire on the mountain, run boys run."

Devil's in the house of the rising sun

Chicken's in the breadpan, picking out dough"

Darius shifted back swiftly, taking his cloak from the ground. He put it over his bare body, giving the corpse a wry glance. He chuckled darkly, holding his hands out so that the rain could wash the blood away.

"Thank you, Martin. Your help has been greatly appreciated." With those parting words, the man walked away. He climbed into the old truck, shutting the door quickly behind him. Darius drove away from the site, a calm set to his finger started tapping to the beat on the radio.

"Granny does your dog bite?

No, child, no"

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

Bella opened her eyes quickly, heart pounding. Her fingers grasped the sheets, wringing them into a mass of crumpled material. Her breathing was shaky, lungs refusing to cooperate with her mind. On shaky legs she darted up from her bed, throwing her window open. Regardless of the pouring rain, she stood unmoving at the window sill. The wind cooled her heated body, and the rain soothed her troubled mind. For once she was grateful to the cold precipitation, welcoming it rather than condemning it.

"Stupid dream." Bella muttered. "Stupid fucking dream!" The werewolf bowed her head, locks swaying in the chaotic breeze. She took in another gulp of air, trying to steady herself. After a moment she raised her gaze to the dark sky, watching as the rain fell in heavy drops. Her thoughts clouded, mind tossed back into the events of her dream. It was strange, what she dreamt, in both content and nature. She remembered walking down a rainy stretch of road, aimlessly moving without a specific purpose. Her mind felt muddled in the dream, strange and detached as if she was another person. Then a driver pulled up to her and-

Bella swallowed, closing her eyes tightly. Bile threatened to rise in her throat, but she forced it down hard. Images flashed behind her eyelids, horrifying and grotesquely graphic. She could practically feel the tattered cloak on her skin, the hand of the driver in her palm, the delicious feeling of blood sliding down her-

"STOP IT!" She shouted covering her ears with her hands. The werewolf trembled, panic and fear coursing through her body. Her mind was reeling, trying to comprehend what the dream meant. And why she kept dreaming freaky shit in the first place. Bella had thought she was over the creepy dream faze, especially sense Alice came into her life. She was able to calm slightly at the thought of her mate, body slowly relaxing.

The werewolf took another deep breath willing the bad thoughts away. By sheer force of will she was able to ground herself, the images there but weak against her mental wall. The girl let out a frustrated growl, running a hand through her sweaty locks. She didn't like things that confused her. And more often than not, when she became confused she got angry by default. Sighing in irritation, Bella stomped over to her dresser. Swiftly she grabbed her cigarette carton from atop it, shaking out a single stick. She snapped, bringing to life flickering flames of yellow and orange. Bella brought the cigarette to the dancing fire, lighting it with ease. She took a long drag, letting the acrid fumes fill her lungs.

Meanwhile the flames around her fingers grew, consuming her hand in brilliant light. It was a dangerous power; her gift. It calmed her though, knowing she could control such a wild element, while others lay conquered at its might. She played with the flames, mentally willing them to form shapes in the palm of her hand. They twisted and curved, before settling on a running wolf, looking as if the wind was blowing through its fur. Bella smiled at the sight, letting her body relax completely. The tension from the frightening dream drifted away. She glanced at the opened window, watching as the rain slowed to a soft drizzle. Long rays of dawn peeked over the horizon, bringing with it a new day and new events.

"Whatever happens…happens, I guess." She sighed, bowing her head. With a twist of her wrist she extinguished the flames, not even the barest of smoke left. Not feeling tired, the werewolf walked to the window sill. She propped herself up onto it, dangling her legs over the edge. There she sat, unmoving and still, dutifully observing the sunrise. Yet, as was the usual case in spring, thunderclouds still roamed.

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

Alice felt as if she was on cloud nine. Or twenty. She sighed dreamily, tapping her pencil on her notebook. She stared out the window, barely paying attention to what was going on around her. Her mind was still happily vacationing in her favorite meadow, frolicking with her wonderful girlfriend. Well she was frolicking anyway since Bella in no way would do that, but still. It was utter bliss. Alice sighed again, wishing she was still wrapped in the werewolf's arms.

Suddenly she felt a soft poke on her forearm. She frowned in confusion, baffled as to what would disturb her delightful daydream. Turning her head, she was met with the worried hazel eyes of Angela Webber. The shy human gave her a small grin, the gesture slightly concerned.

"Um, Alice?" She began. "Are you alright? I've been asking you the same question for five minutes, but you haven't responded."

Alice blinked, before shrugging sheepishly.

"Sorry Angela, I was thinking about…something. What were you saying?" She asked politely. Angela was one of the few humans at Forks High she genuinely liked, and she didn't want to be rude to her. The timid girl shook her head, her grin turning wry.

"Does this something start with a 'B' and end in an 'ella'?"

The vampire looked away, an embarrassed look on her face.

"Maybe?" She said cheekily. Angela rolled her eyes, shaking her head in mock exasperation.

"I think that 'maybe' is a definite yes." The human giggled. "So what did you two lovebirds do this weekend?"

"Lovebirds?" Alice feigned an innocent look. "How dare you assume that me and Bella are engaged in some type of torrid love affair. Now Angela darling, what would make you think that?"

"Maybe the fact you stare at Bella like she's a stallion and you're a mare in heat."

"I do not!" Alice paused. "Do I?"

"Let me put it this way. If looks could kill, Bella would be a pile of lust goo all over your shoes."

"Damn, and these are nice shoes." Alice sighed, folding her hands atop her desk. "But seriously, I didn't know I was that obvious. I could have sworn I was more…subtle about my feelings."

"If it makes you feel any better." Angela commented slowly. "Bella does the same thing. Except her stare is more of a very obvious laser beam at full blast." She shrugged, trying her best to explain her friend's quirks. "She talks about you too. All the time." Angela gave Alice a pointed look. "Like really, all the time."

"I think I can forgive her that one." Alice chuckled lightly. She gazed out the window, eyes hazing slightly. "I suppose it's okay then as long as we're both two fools in love."

"You still didn't answer me." Angela pointed out slyly. "What did you two do?"

"Oh…" The vampire started. "This and…that…" She trailed off, her meaning obvious. A devilish grin settled upon her features. Angela's eyes widened comically. Her jaw dropped.

"Really? Wow, you two certainly work fast. I mean you've been together for about, what? A week or so? Let alone just knowing each other for only a month and a half." The human crossed her arms, a disbelieving look on her bespectacled face. Alice shrugged, unrepentant.

"Even if that's true. It just feels…right. It doesn't matter to me if we haven't known each other that long. I already know I love her. To me, it's not the length of time that's important, but the feelings involved." Alice smiled, tawny eyes glittering with emotion. Angela watched her thoughtfully, seeming to mull her words over in her head.

"I see…" The girl left it at that, turning her head back to the front of the classroom. They both settled into a comfortable silence, letting their thoughts take over. Alice went back to her own version of Elysium, re-summoning the blissful images of her and Bella.

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

The school bell rang noisily, causing students to run out the door on their way to lunch. Bella's brow twitched slightly, but no other movement was made. Her head rested unmoving on her desk, arms folded under her like a makeshift pillow. A slight sigh emanated from her mouth, stirring the blank papers on her desk. Abruptly her rest was interrupted by someone shaking her shoulder, a startled grunt issuing from the werewolf. She batted the arm away, not willing to wake up just yet. The shaking grew harder, causing her brow to twitch in irritation.

"What the hell?" Bella darted up from her seat, slamming her hands onto her desk. She glared at the person who shook her. Unsurprisingly, Jessica stood right beside the irked werewolf. The curly-haired girl sniffed, crossing her arms.

"You looked like you were having a good dream." She said snidely. "What was it about? Alice?" The last word was a hiss, drawn out like a dirty word. Bella scowled at her, not caring what the girl's problem was.

"No but-"

"Oh, okay then!" Jessica interrupted happily. She beamed at Bella, acting as if she hadn't said anything about the little pixie. The werewolf stared at her incredulously, not amused in the slightest. Is she bi-polar? Shaking her head, Bella walked out of the classroom, finally noticing its empty state. Jessica trailed after her like a lost puppy, hand clasped onto the tail of Bella's jacket. The taller girl ignored her for the most part, only focused on getting to her Alice. That didn't stop the other girl from trying.

"So Bella…are you going to the dance?" Jessica asked coyly. She bat her eyelashes, trying to garner her companion's attention. Bella cringed, but gave her a curious look.

"Dance?" She inquired. Jessica nodded her head enthusiastically.

"Yep, for the spring. Everyone is going to be there, the important one's anyway." The curly-haired girl sighed. "I think Mike is going to ask me, but so far I haven't gotten any worth while invitations. If I get any better prospects…I'll definitely accept them." She shot a flirtatious grin, trying to thread her arm through Bella's. The werewolf gave her an annoyed look, crossing her arms to avoid her. The shorter girl pouted, trying to look cute. Bella just thought she looked constipated.

"So are you thinking about taking anyone?" Jessica said hopefully. "Because if your thinking about taking Alice, don't bother. They never go to school functions, like ever. I doubt that they would suddenly change for one person. No offense or anything." She sniffed, lips pursing as she talked about the Cullens. It was no secret that Jessica Stanley disliked all of the family, especially little Alice. Bella's temper flared, the werewolf having to clench her fists to dull the urge to bash Jessica's face in. No one disrespected her Alice. No one.

Kill her.

Bella started, jumping at the voice that suddenly appeared in her head. She looked around, only seeing students milling about. An uneasy feeling settled in her gut.

Do it. She deserves it.

She turned her head back to Jessica, heart pounding erratically. Her hands shook. She heard the beast roaring in the back of her head, pounding away at her mind. Bella swallowed hard, forcing back the bloody images that surfaced in her head. How easy it would be, her mind told her, how wonderfully easy.

No one would notice. And no one would care. You would be doing everyone a favor.

Yes she would wouldn't she. After all, every one secretly disliked the arrogant girl. She was a two faced cretin that no one loved or respected. No one would especially miss her, save Angela. But Angela cared for everyone so that was nothing special. Bella stared intensely at the curly-haired girl, who was oblivious to the wolf's mental wonderings.

Kill her. Just like that driver in your dream.

"No!" Bella exclaimed, holding her head in her hands. She picked up the pace, trying to put distance between herself and Jessica. She didn't want to kill anyone. She didn't want to be a murderer. Only monsters were murderers and she was not a monster. She made sure of it. Bella rushed away, bursting into the lunch room. The doors flung open hard, causing several heads to turn in her direction. She ignored the stares, practically running in her haste.

She quickly spotted the Cullen's table, bounding towards it with urgency. Her eyes locked onto Alice, mind spinning with only one objective. Get comfort from her mate. The werewolf felt weak and in need of reassurance, something that she was sure Alice would give without hesitation. They all noticed her as she approached, Alice and Emmett especially. The short pixie's eyes lit up in joy, a huge smile carved onto her mouth. Her bear of a brother held a similar expression, large grin nearly splitting his face in two.

"Well if it isn't Bella!" He laughed. "How's it hanging my almost-sister-in-law?"

"Emmett!" Alice whined. "Don't say those type of things, you might scare her off."

"That's right Dear." Rosalie stated in her usual uncaring voice. "The girl isn't part of our family yet." The blonde turned to Bella, golden eyes giving her a critical look. "But it is yet, isn't it?"

Bella didn't respond, hands still shaking. Though the easy banter was soothing her frayed nerves, it still didn't compare to what she had in mind. She kept her eyes riveted to Alice. Her mate glared at her sister, crossing her arms.

"Not you too, Rose!" Alice sighed, shoulders slumping in defeat. Jasper chuckled from beside her.

"But we all know it's true, isn't it Ally?" The blonde boy gave her a wry smile. "I'm sure if you had it your way you two would be already married by now." To everyone's surprise, it was Edward who laughed first. The mind reader gave Alice a genuine, if a tad strained, smile.

"Jazz is right Alice. Remember when you planned our…" Edward paused shifting his eyes to Bella and back again. He lowered his voice, oblivious to the fact that the werewolf could still hear him. "Wedding ceremony. We had not even been together for a week and you had the whole thing planned out. Face it Alice, you have a tendency for jumping the gun, so to speak."

"I do not!" Alice cried, obviously miffed. She turned to her own mate, eye pleading. "Bella, do I have a habit of jumping the gun?"

Bella stared at her blankly. She felt her wolf roar again, demanding something she wasn't entirely sure of. Her eye twitched again, causing her to put a hand to her forehead. Alice's smile faded, an uncertain look taking its place. She gave her lover a worried look.

"Bella…what is-?" She yelped suddenly, as Bella picked her up. The werewolf cradled her bridle style, making her way across the lunch room yet again. The rest of the Cullens watched in shock as their sister was literally swept off her feet and taken away. They stared un-movingly at the couple until they disappeared behind the double doors. Emmett was the first to recover, giving a cocky grin to his mate.

"Three guesses as to what they're going to be doing." He said cheekily. Rosalie rolled her eyes, sweeping her hair back from her neck.

"How about one guess as to what you're not doing tonight."

Emmett's smile slipped immediately off his face.

"Sex?"

"Bingo"

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

Bella moved swiftly with Alice in her arms. She didn't bother to pause, didn't even register the strange looks sent their way. The wolf had settled slightly, tamed with the knowledge that her mate was nearby. It caused a sliver of relief to pulse through Bella's tall frame. Still, she kept her tight hold on Alice, not willing to have the vampire separated from her just yet.

Alice herself however, was extremely confused. She didn't recall saying or doing anything that warranted such behavior. Not that she didn't like it, it was just surprising. On the contrary, she loved being needed by her mate, especially so urgently. Still, it was tad disconcerting to be dragged off to God knows where for seemingly no reason at all.

"Bella?" She questioned. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see." Bella groused out, barring no objections. She locked her arms in precaution, preparing for the vampire to flee. Alice only bit her lip, settling back into the wolf's stern embrace. There was no use for struggle, especially when she didn't want to anyway. Bella purred in approval, lids lowering at her mate's obedience.

"You shouldn't worry, mate." The werewolf husked throatily. "I'll always take good…care of you."

"Um…" Alice cleared her throat nervously. "It's not as if I worry about that." She paused, sending Bella a pointed look. "It's just…I'm kind of worried about you."

Bella pursed her lips, jaw clenching slightly.

"Why should you worry?" The words were sharp, defensive. Alice quickly caught onto the tone, concern creasing her brow.

"Well for starters, you were acting all caveman on me earlier. You barely said a word to me or my family before you carried me off. And now you're getting huffy because I said I was worried about you. All reasons to cause alarm in my book."

The werewolf remained silent, stalking towards her motorcycle with purpose. Alice sighed, giving up her questioning for now. They reached the Ducati quickly, Bella nearly swinging the vampire onto the rear seat. The pixie was slightly dazed at the movement, sitting there with a stunned look on her face. Bella ignored this, straddling the bike and fishing out her keys. It wasn't long before the werewolf took off at an urgent pace, a loud roar of engine and squealing tires in her wake. Alice clung to the taller girl, mind racing with possibilities as to what the wolf was thinking.

She knew it probably wasn't because of her, Bella didn't seem angry with the vampire and was very gentle as she was carrying her. It didn't seem to be her family, though there might be a chance that that's the reason. Alice set her head on Bella's shoulder, wind whipping through her short locks. She supposed she could just let it be for now. Bella wasn't one for being dishonest, and usually told Alice when she was ready. With that comforting thought, Alice relaxed her body, letting the werewolf guide her to her fate.

Bella felt the change in her mate's body, relief pulsing through her. She didn't want Alice to hate her for her brusque actions, but she couldn't help it. The wolf in her was more dominant right now, even in her human skin. Instincts ruled her mind first and foremost, ethics and social decorum a distant reminder at the back of her head. Bella made a quick mental note to make it up to Alice later, but not right now. Now was the time for selfishness. Using her other hand, she clasped the vampire's in her own, entwining their fingers.

Soon they had reached Bella's house, only a slight drizzle pelting their forms. The Indiana crept up the driveway with ease, engine rumbling in concert with the thunder above. Bella felt her skin itch, something boiling up from within. She closed her eyes at the familiar sensation, hand twitching on the throttle. A rumbling purr made its way out of her throat, causing her torso to tremble. Alice watched with anxious eyes, slipping off the back of the motorcycle gracefully. The werewolf tensed at the movement, bringing her head up to lock eyes with her lover. They stared at each other in silence, Bella cutting the engine so that only the swish of wind and rain accompanied them.

She opened her mouth to speak, only to stop as Alice shook her head. The vampire pulled her hand, tugging her off the bike slowly. Their eyes never left each other's, rain streaking down their faces like silent tears. Bella felt her heart soften at the sight of a rain-drenched Alice. She reached up, wiping the water away from her mate's face with hesitant fingers. The vampire closed her eyes, leaning into the touch.

"Bella…" Alice whispered softly, breath ghosting over trembling hands. "I respect your privacy and need for silence concerning personal matters but…" She paused, stepping closer to the werewolf. "If only just this once…confide in me…?"

Bella looked at her sadly, brushing Alice's cheek with the palm of her hand. She shook her head, heart clenching as her mate gave a depressed sigh.

"I see." Alice gave her a small smile, just a bit of sadness tugging at its corners. "Then…won't you let me comfort you?"

Bella hesitated, will wavering under Alice's honey gaze. For just a second, she was tempted to break down and tell her everything. For a single moment she felt a swell of absolute trust eclipse her uncertainties. But she felt them come back just as fast, knocking everything else aside. She loved Alice, that would never change, but would the vampire stay if she knew of what was happening to her? Would she still want the werewolf if she knew about her past problems and the one's she still faced today? Despite her infinite love, Bella doubted, and that doubt was enough to override everything else. So with a heavy heart and a troubled mind, she nodded, not willing to surrender everything of herself just yet.

Alice watched her silently before standing on her toes to reach the werewolf's mouth. She captured the lips above her, mouth moving purposefully. For a moment, Bella remained still, just feeling the vampire's mouth on hers. Then she responded with heated fervor, hungrily devouring the pixie's soft, pink lips. They kissed passionately, ignoring the rain as it soaked through their clothing. Alice's hands entangled in drenched dark locks, pulling the werewolf's head down harder into the kiss. Bella sighed into her lover's mouth, moving their bodies forward onto the porch. Soon, the werewolf had Alice pinned against the wood door, damp bodies straining for more touch.

Bella fumbled for her keys in her jacket, never breaking from the hungry kiss. It was another moment before they stumbled into the house, the absence of light making things a bit more difficult. Alice moaned wantonly as her lover picked her up, wrapping her legs around the werewolf's waist instinctively. Bella growled in response, moving up the staircase with ease. It wasn't long before she reached her room, a throaty moan escaping her throat as Alice latched onto her neck.

There was something challenging in the gesture, her wolf nature taking over her mind. With a primal snarl she had the vampire pinned to the bed, desperately trying to unclothe her mate. Alice responded in kind, flinging Bella's wet clothing in several different directions. Soon they were both bare, wet bodies moving against each other frantically. There was no rhythm to their lovemaking, no sense of pattern to be had amongst writhing bodies. It was similar and yet different to the mating of the previous day, the goal of each encounter entirely different. Where yesterday was a consummation of feelings already known, this was a meeting of desperate souls; an answer to uncertainties born of past hurt.

As they thrust against each other, cries of pleasure assaulting the air, a heart quelled and mended. It was everything that Bella knew she didn't deserve and everything that she dared not ask for. And as they finally reached their climax together, souls blending together from the intensity, they cried out their love for each other. It was much later after their passions had finally been sated, that they laid entangled in the crimson sheets, lightning flashing across their bare bodies.

Alice laid on her side, spooned from behind by her lover's larger form. Her head was pillowed on Bella's right arm, the other clasping her stomach gently. Bella watched in contentment as the vampire traced patterns on her skin, eyes hooded in groggy satisfaction. She purred deep in her chest, cuddling closer to her lover. The werewolf skimmed her nose across the back of Alice's neck, inhaling deeply. She could never get enough of her mate's scent, never get tired of the sweet cold body laying against hers. They fit together like a puzzle, carved and set only for each other.

Alice sighed, hand caressing the warm skin on Bella's forearm. She smiled as the arm around her tightened, knowing the gesture was born of love and protection. Suddenly she felt the body behind her begin to shiver, causing her own body to tremble. Alice frowned, turning around to face her lover. She gasped as she noticed a pained look on Bella's face. The werewolf looked to be holding back tears, fierce emotion seen plainly on her visage. Alice instantly cradled her in her arms, trying to calm her down by making soothing noises.

"Bella shh…it's okay, it's okay…" Alice felt a sudden pain in her chest as the werewolf buried herself deeper into her neck. It hurt to see her usually infallible mate so pained and vulnerable.

"Is there anything I can do? Just…tell me please." Alice pleaded, stroking Bella's dark locks.

"No, just…" Bella whimpered, struggling to hold back her emotional agony. "Just hold me…"

Alice complied, soothing her mate as much as she could. Bella remained trembling in her arms, trying to take comfort in her lover's presence. For an undeterminable amount of time they laid there, wounds healing and the world moving on unimpeded. Eventually the werewolf stilled, body falling into a deep slumber, as she was gently cradled in Alice's arms. The vampire watched her quietly throughout the night, never straying from her vigil. In the back of her mind a monster waited; claws of fear and uncertainty ready to tear asunder.

The storm didn't cease till morning.

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

Bella walked down the stairs sluggishly, eyes blurry with sleep. She rubbed the bridge of her nose, trying to focus and steady her double vision. She could hear Charlie in the kitchen, shuffling around aimlessly. The werewolf sighed, exhaustion and mental grief taking its toll on her. She felt marginally better than the previous morning, but her feelings were still chaotic. Gathering herself, Bella walked into the kitchen.

Charlie stood silently at the table, looking immaculate and professional in his uniform. The man had a frown on his face, features drawn tight with tension. His eyes were focused on the paperwork on the table, never looking up even as his daughter approached.

"Hey Dad." She mumbled, coming to a stop beside him. Charlie grunted out a greeting, shuffling the paperwork.

"Morning Bells." The older man sighed, running a hand over his face. Bella gave him a curious glance, observing the strain in his brown irises.

"Something wrong?" She asked uncertainly. Charlie exhaled shakily, staring at the mound of papers once again. Bella turned to look also, curiosity getting the best of her. Her breath caught at what she saw.

"Yeah." The disgruntled man said. "We found another body near Port Angeles. The poor guy was torn apart, like as if a wild animal got to him. His wife was devastated when we told her." Charlie shook his head sadly. "This is just another victim in a string of murders that we're investigating. All killed in the same manner, too. Thing is…we can't figure out what did this to these people. And the victims…they keep appearing closer and closer to Forks."

Bella swallowed hard, only half listening to him. Her hands shook, sweat coating her palms. She closed her eyes and opened them again, hoping that the sight in front of her would disappear.

The mangled face of Martin Anthony just stared solemnly back at her.

A/N: Holy crap! Bella's having strange dreams again? And hearing voices? I'm just messing her up all different kinds of ways aren't I? :P But yeah, she isn't schizophrenic or anything, just having the regular supernatural problems a pyrokinetic werewolf has (maybe) I'm actually pretty curious what everyone thinks is going to happen from here...On to the chapter preview!

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"Let me join your pack."