A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed. Especially thanks to people who review pretty regularly- you know who you are. I love hearing from you because you can offer some good perspective as I go along!

Okay, so this chapter is leading up to the exciting stuff, and also the "risky" stuff. From this point on, it's not totally obvious what's coming, so I hope you like my take on it, and let me know what you think of the direction I'm going. P.S…. Twilight still belongs to Stephenie Meyer.

DENALI

I was going to go insane. Literally. It had been twelve hours since we left Forks, which meant that it was roughly seven-thirty in the morning. Sometime in the night I had been switched to Alice's car, and I was not happy. She had finally gotten me, and I wasn't sure who was more angry- Edward or me.

Edward's Volvo was tailing the yellow Porsche at an alarmingly fast speed, and I had a feeling that he knew just exactly what Alice was planning.

"Alice," I complained, "Can we please not do this right now?"

She put on her best cheerful face and said, "Now is the perfect time for our chat, Bella. Jasper's riding with Emmett right now, and we have another good twenty hours of driving ahead of us!"

I sighed deeply, and rolled over in my seat so that I was facing the window, watching the barren highway flash by. I always thought Alaska was so empty because of the snow- but I was wrong. Alaska is deserted because it is so god-awful boring. And we weren't even halfway to where we were going… wherever that was. Why hadn't I thought of this before? Where exactly were we going? I knew that we were going to stay in Alaska but it's a pretty huge place.

Partly to answer the questions now buzzing around my head, and partly to get Alice's mind of her interrogation, I decided to find out.

"Alice?"

"Yes, Bella?" she turned to me with a wide smirk. Obviously, she thought I was cracking under pressure. Wrong.

"Where are we going?"

Her face crumpled slightly, and the expression of expectation turned to one of uncertainty.

"We're going to Denali. It's best for us to stay there until we find something more permanent. Plus, they're good friends of ours."

I knew that they were vegetarians like the Cullens, but I was still pretty nervous.

"Don't worry Bella, they'll like you."

Sensing that I was not convinced, she tapped her temple and said, "I would know, after all."

Feeling slightly better, I began to ask questions about the Clan.

"How many people are in the clan?"

"There are five. Eleazar, Tanya, Irina, Kate, and Carmen."

I flinched slightly as Alice mentioned Tanya, but I didn't think she noticed.

"What are they like? Do they have any, um, talents, like you and Edward?"

Alice thought for a moment. "Not all of them. But Eleazar, Kate, and Carmen do, yes. Kate has the gift of influence. It's similar to what Jasper does, really, but more powerful. You know Jasper can control your emotions, of course, but Kate's power goes one step further. She can influence your behavior. It's not like mind control, really, more like… persuasion."

"I don't understand. If it's not like control, then how does she get you to do what she wants?"

"Hmm… let's use an example, shall we?" Alice smirked, looking devious. "For instance, if she wanted you to talk to me about something, all she would have to do would be to plant the idea in your mind. You wouldn't even notice that Kate was doing anything. Suddenly, you would feel the urge to confide in me, and pretty soon you'd be babbling. All the time, you'd be certain that it was your own idea to talk."

Alice must have noticed how worried I looked, because she laughed. "Don't worry, Bella, Kate doesn't use her power. Anyway, I doubt it would work on you. You do seem to be the exception."

I felt better. The last thing I needed was for Kate to do her friend Alice any favors.

"What about the others? Eleazar and Carmen?"

"Eleazar's power is very subtle. It is more of an… extraordinarily strong inclination that a power. Eleazar has the gift of wisdom."

"Oh. So he is always right?"

Alice shook her head, causing her choppy black hair to swirl around her. "No, it is even more subtle than that. Eleazar can make a wrong decision; it is just that he is much less likely too. He doesn't have the answer all the time, but he can usually sense the best course of action."

"And what can Carmen do?"

Alice grimaced. "It sounds fairly simple, but she's quite powerful. Carmen can see the truth."

"What do you mean, she can see the truth?"

"I mean that Carmen can see through lies, disguises, rouses, excuses… it can be quite annoying."

I chuckled to myself. I would have to ask Edward later about just what exactly Carmen had caught Alice fibbing about.

"So that's all?"

Alice fiddled with the radio. "Yes. The others don't have powers."

"What are they like?"

"They're all quite pleasant, really. We stay there for a couple of weeks at a time usually. It's nice to be able to interact with other vampires that are 'vegetarians'. As you have seen, our lifestyle is not appreciated by most."

Abruptly, Alice whipped around to face me. She didn't even bother to look at the road. "But stop trying to change the subject, Bella."

I groaned. "Alice, I do not want to talk about this with you."

"Oh, be fair. We're sisters now, you know."

I patted her shoulder. "Yes, Alice, and I'm glad. But I am not going to discuss this."

"Well, just give me the general idea. You can at least do that, Bella. For your sister."

"If I tell you that will you stop mentioning it?"

"Oh fine," she huffed. I knew that she didn't mean it, but I decided to tell her anyway.

"It was good," I said.

"Bella!" Alice whined, "Not that general! How do you feel? What do you think?"

I turned red immediately. "I think that it was good, Alice."

Alice's dainty little lips pulled back slightly over her teeth. "Stop being difficult."

"What Alice? I told you. It was good. I thought it was good."

"Was he gentle? Was it very hard for him to stay in control?"

I flushed scarlet. I had never been so uncomfortable before. And that was saying something- I embarrassed myself all the time. Where was Edward? I was sure he was listening in; why didn't he come rescue me?

"Yes, Alice, he was nice. And now, this talk is over. He's your brother for crying out loud. Why do you want to hear this?"

She sighed deeply. My normal sense of privacy was clearly a thorn in her side. I looked out the window, and sure enough, Edward's silver Volvo was right behind us. I had a feeling Edward was not happy with Alice. I must have fallen asleep while thinking about my…husband, because when I woke up again, I was in a different car.

"Morning, beautiful."

I yawned. "You saved me," I murmured, my voice still thick with sleep.

"Sorry about that. You know Alice." Edward looked mad for a moment, but then his lips started to twitch.

"What? I don't see what's so funny about Alice. She doesn't look scary, but she is."

Edward started to grin in earnest now. "So it was just good, was it?"

I turned pink, but rolled my eyes at him. "Edward."

He foisted an innocent look onto his smirking face. "What? You didn't think it was just good last-"

"Edward!"

He laughed, long and loud. "We're almost there, Bella." Edward reached over to touch my cheek. "Don't worry. They will like you."

But that was only part of the reason I was nervous. "Even…Tanya?"

Edward's gold eyes got a shade darker, but he reassured me. "Tanya knows that we are just friends, Bella. And you will be her friend, too. That was a long time ago."

I nodded. "Okay."

After that, the rest of the ride was cheerful and pleasant. It was nice to just talk with Edward, especially after everything that was going on. Eventually, I remembered what I wanted to ask Edward.

"Edward, did Carmen catch Alice lying about something?"

He chuckled, "I had almost forgotten about that. Yes, but it was a long time ago."

"Are you going to tell me what it is?"

"Well, nothing too major. It was just a little white lie really- but Carmen can even see through those. Alice told Carmen that she liked her outfit. Alice meant to be polite, but Carmen knew the truth. Carmen's feelings weren't really hurt, but Alice was mortified. It still bothers her." Edward sighed. "Sometimes it's hard for us, Carmen and I, knowing the truth."

I sympathized completely. To never have a moment's peace in your own head? I would never be able to handle it.

Suddenly, the Volvo pulled to a stop. I looked around, but didn't see anything except for green trees all around. In the distance, I could make out the snow capped peaks of Alaska.

"What are we doing?" I asked Edward.

"We're here," he said, "We just have to run a ways."

"Oh."

One by one, the others pulled up and parked their cars around us. Alice grabbed her many bags and kissed her Porsche after lovingly nestling it between two pine trees. Jasper laughed at her and grabbed her hand. Emmett and Rosalie were gathering their luggage, too, but it seemed that Emmett was carrying two of his own suitcases as well as six of Rosalie's. Carlisle and Esme were the last to arrive, being the least reckless of the drivers in the Cullen family.

As soon as everyone was ready, I climbed up on Edward's back. The trees flashed by at their usual break-neck speeds, but I looked at them calmly. It had been a while since this scared me. I actually found myself looking forward to being able to run this fast; hopefully I would lose my clumsiness. Although, I thought darkly, it would be just my luck to be the first klutzy vampire in history.

In just a couple of minutes, though it was probably seven or eight miles, we halted in front of one of the most picturesque places I'd ever seen. The house was gigantic, but still done in the style of a cozy log cabin. Pine trees and a stream flanked either side of the home. In the winter it would look just like a postcard.

"Wow," I breathed.

Edward took my hand after I dismounted from his back. Looking up, I saw what must be The Denali Clan coming out the front door.

"Carlisle," called a tall, dark man with black hair waving down to his shoulders. "It has been too long, as always." Carlisle and the man I knew to be Eleazar embraced each other. I remembered what Alice said about how wise he was. I believed her; Eleazar's tawny eyes radiated wisdom and knowledge.

The next out of the house was Carmen, who stuck closely by Eleazar. I assumed that they were together from the tender way she looked at him. Carmen also had black hair and dark skin like Eleazar- or as dark as a vampire's skin could be - and they looked distinctly Spanish. Carmen greeted everyone politely, and I felt comfortable around her.

When I glanced towards the rest of the party coming out of the house, my jaw dropped. My mouth literally opened in shock at the sight of the last three Denali sisters. Kate, Irina, and Tanya were the loveliest creatures I had ever seen. Even among vampires, their beauty was astounding. All three had blonde hair- but only one was strawberry blonde. And, of course, she was the most astoundingly attractive of the three. Rosalie was gorgeous, but these three women exuded sexuality. Their long hair seemed to shine with blinding intensity, their curvy bodies moved with incredible sensuality, and their features were made even more extraordinary by three pairs of full, luscious lips. I found it difficult to look away; it was like staring into the sun and being momentarily blinded.

When they said hello to The Cullens, even their voices sounded alluring. I noticed Tanya looking curiously in my direction, but she smiled at me in a pleasant way. I was still too stunned to speak. I could only nod my head at Kate, Tanya and Irina. It was probably for the best because my voice would have trembled and I would have looked even more pathetic by comparison. I was, frankly, astounded that Edward had turned down Tanya. I was sure that he was the first- and would certainly be the last- to do so.

I was still dazzled as we walked into the house. Immediately, everyone began to make themselves at home. The Cullens were here so frequently that they knew which guest rooms to stay in.

"Would you like a tour, Bella?" Edward asked, after asking for Irina's permission. She graciously agreed, apologizing for not thinking of it herself.

Edward led me around the colossal house, pointing out the living room and family room. I was shocked to notice that there was no kitchen and then immediately felt stupid for assuming that there would be. I was just so used to The Cullens' old house. I also felt relieved that vampires needed to bathe- because otherwise there might not have been a bathroom for me to use.

After taking a quick peek into some of the bedrooms, which were all richly furnished, Edward showed me the room we would be staying in. I had to smile- the room was done in midnight blue with gold accents. The large bed was draped with a plush looking duvet and piled with gold pillows. I wondered if Edward had decorated it himself.

Edward seemed to be aware that I was off in my own head again, because he was unpacking our stuff when I came out of my stupor.

"Edward?"

"Yes?"

"Why didn't you tell me how beautiful Tanya is?"

Edward sighed and sat down on the bed next to me. "Bella, I didn't mention it because you are the most beautiful thing in my world. To some men, yes, Tanya might be irresistible, but you are the only woman who has ever captivated me."

I tried hard to scowl at Edward. He was being charming again, and it wasn't fair. It was too hard to resist his velvet voice.

"Is- are they- why are they so gorgeous?"

"Have you ever heard of the myth of The Succubus?"

I gasped, "Tanya, Irina, and Kate are Succubi?"

"Yes, they are the three sisters in the legend. As humans, they were renowned beauties. They were said to, er, have a certain power over men. So much so that someone thought it would be worthwhile to change them."

I was astounded. I knew of course, that the three sisters were the most striking people I had ever seen; it was unsettling to think that they were literally the most beautiful people in the world. Tanya was even slightly more stunning than her two sisters. And she had shown interest in Edward!

Edward took my face in his hands. He kissed my lips lightly and whispered into them, "Bella, I promise that you are more beautiful to me than any Succubus could ever be."

He kissed me even more deeply to prove his point. Edward was too convincing for his own good, because I soon forgot all about Tanya as his lips moved with mine.

As the sun began to dip behind the horizon, Edward and I went back out into the main room of the house to join the others.

"Bella," said Kate, the shortest of the Succubus sisters, "would you like anything to eat?"

I must have looked confused, because Irina laughed and added, "Edward brought food for you. We put it in a cooler. I'm sorry that we don't have a kitchen we can offer you."

"Oh! Well, thank you for thinking of me, but I'm fine." Kate and Irina really did seem kind. I wondered where the demonic part of the legend came in. I really hoped that it wasn't Tanya.

Carlisle interrupted my train of thought. "We were just discussing your change, Bella."

Immediately, Edward's forehead wrinkled and his eyebrows joined above his nose. He kept silent, but I could tell how stressed he was.

"Yes, Carlisle, I wanted to ask," interjected Eleazar, "When exactly does Alice see The Volturi coming?"

Alice spoke from her place on one of the white sofas. "Not for a couple of weeks. But it would be most prudent of us not to wait."

Rosalie's eyes narrowed, but Emmett squeezed her hand. Jasper must have tried to calm her down, because I could felt a sense of peace envelop the room.

Eleazar nodded. "I agree. That would be prudent." All the other vampires looked slightly relieved, and I recalled that Eleazar was exceptionally wise. His approval was very highly regarded.

"Who will change her?" Tanya asked, speaking for the first time. Her voice was low and sultry. She could have been whispering words of seduction for all the sexuality that dripped from her them.

"I will." Edward's voice sounded stony and tense, but he did not argue or plead with me anymore. Tanya's eyes flickered to Edward once, and then to me before looking away.

Carmen turned to me, a maternal expression on her face. "When, Bella?"

"Tonight," I croaked. I was ready- but I was also terrified. I remembered only too sharply the feeling of fire in my veins.

I let my mind drift grimly for a few moments and when I came back to reality Esme and Carmen were discussing where to do the actual change. Edward thought it would be best to use our bedroom, and the others agreed. Edward would be able to stay with me in there. I didn't want him to see me like that, but I was too cowardly to keep him away from me; I would need him.

I felt dazed. In three days, I would be a vampire. My heart would stop, my eyes would change color, and I would never be human again. I would stay that way for eternity.

I sat in the family room with everyone for a while, not really taking in what was passing around me. The Denali Clan and my family were talking and reminiscing, but Edward and I stayed silent, each wrapped up in our own thoughts. Every few minutes, Edward would lift our entwined hands to his lips and kiss mine softly. I couldn't tell you how long we stayed there, but it felt like only a few moments.

Before everyone went upstairs to unpack and get settled, they came to say goodnight. Well, really they were saying goodbye- pretty soon I would be a different person. Alice danced to my side and kissed my cheek, as did Esme. Rosalie waved sadly before heading upstairs. She wasn't trying to stop me anymore, but she still thought I was making the wrong choice. Carlisle and Emmett hugged me briefly, but Jasper hung back. He gave me a small smile, and I thought about how pretty soon Jasper wouldn't need to avoid me. That was a bonus.

Time seemed to speed up, because all of a sudden it was very dark and must have been quite late. I was sitting on the bed, and Edward was talking to Carlisle so fast that their words sounded like a gentle hum.

"You will stay?" Edward was asking. "Carlisle, I- I can do it, but-"

Carlisle answered, putting a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Yes, I will stay."

Edward turned his anguished eyes to me. He looked tortured and devastated. His worst nightmare was coming true.

He sat next to me and stared into my brown eyes for an immeasurable length of time, lightly caressing my face with one of his hands. Then he kissed my warm lips for the last time, taking in the way my pulse beat beneath the thin membrane of my skin. Finally, he let his head drop to my chest. I ran my fingers through his red-brown hair, trying to give him what comfort I could. This would be hell for him.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm memorizing," he answered me, "I'm memorizing your heartbeat."

My eyes filled with salty water. He was trying to commit my beating heart, warm blood, scent, eyes and humanity to memory.

Gently, he lifted his head and wiped the tears from my cheeks.

"I love you, Edward."

"I love you, Bella."

I don't know how long we stayed there like that, both of us drinking in my last few moments of mortality.

Eventually, Carlisle cleared his throat. Edward took a long, shaky breath, and looked intensely into my eyes.

"Bella," he began, "I will change you if you are sure. There's no going back, Bella. You can never get your humanity back once it is lost."

"I'm sure, Edward." My voice was shaky, but full of vindication.

Edward nodded, and turned to Carlisle.

"You must bite her wrists, ankles, and neck, Edward. It will help the venom to spread as quickly as possible." Carlisle held up a syringe of morphine and I looked away from the long needle. "Then I will inject her with this. Hopefully, it will lessen the pain."

Edward closed his eyes for a moment before slowly pressing his lips to my neck. My heart sped up- I was terrified. This was what I wanted, but I was also afraid. In the next three days, I would be in terrible pain and then… and then I would die.

Edward inhaled, drinking in the perfume of my blood one last time. La Tua Cantante no more, I thought.

His cold lips kissed the side of my neck once before I felt his razor sharp teeth graze my skin. I couldn't breathe. I gasped as my skin broke, and the fire began to rage. He bit me.

A/N: Yup, another cliffie. I know I told someone that I would post this yesterday- so sorry! But at least this is my longest chapter so far! Remember to review!