I have been sick for the last few days...which sucks for me, but is good for the story.

I've just plowed through in..bathrobe's Tropic of Virgo this morning and if you haven't read it, I suggest you do it NOW. It is amazing. Would I lie to you? I am not Renee, so no, I wouldn't.

Big shout out to OhPleaseBiteMe, Mariana75 and Capricorn75.

And a tiny shout out to PTB, which had little to do with this chapter on round one-but I can see the great things that will happen with revisions in the future.

Not to drag this out any longer...

Twilight and its characters are not mine.

Chapter 10.

BPOV

At first, I felt nothing. There was only darkness and silence. Renee's words echoed through my head. When James comes looking for you. When I felt like I had been suspended in darkness, I thought maybe it was death. You've really outdone yourself this time, Mom. The irony would be more satisfying had it not been my own life that hung in the balance. Shortly after my panicked thoughts of death came the searing pain.

Hot heat ripped through every part of my body. My muscles, organs, blood, bones—everything. I saw nor heard nothing, but felt everything. I even felt him catch me as the fire chased my heart out of my chest. I knew I wasn't dead. I'm no angel, but death has got to be more than excruciating pain. Right? My soft, limp body was violently shaking against Edward's hard chest. The coldness of his body chilled whatever boiled inside me. There was talking but I understood none of it.

Then I began to fly through the darkness.

My senses came to me in stages. After some time passed, I was able to hear clearly. My mother and Carlisle fought over my treatment. My liquid-like dreams were influenced by the coldness in Renee's voice. I saw navy and burgundy. Limbs were on fire, heart was so slow I was barely conscious, and Renee was suggesting the 'wait-and-see' method. What are the odds this will kill her, no matter what we do? Let's just see what happens. You can't cure her. My mother's words hurt more than the venom that pulsated inside of me. She's supposed to love me unconditionally and protect me. Instead, she was indifferent and uncaring.

I was blind and dumb and paralyzed and Renee was leaving it up to chance. Not really so typical, but neither is bringing home nomadic vampires to eight year old little girls. If I could have screamed, I would have told Renee to get the fuck out of the room. As the fire in my veins became tolerable, my ears kicked into overdrive. I heard his steady gait before I felt him in the room. The hostility between the woman that was supposed to protect me and the vampire that I desperately wanted to intertwine with painted my vision red. His velvety voice told them I would live. Renee lied about wanting a cigarette. That woman hasn't smoked a day in her life. Carlisle and Edward talked about me and my mother. Who are we? What do we do? I doubted Carlisle could answer those questions.

The answers Edward received were incredibly vague. I wished I had more time to tell him everything at the docks. Something cold touched my skin and I wanted to scream. It felt good against my otherwise scorched skin, but the initial shock was almost too much to bear. Carlisle spoke about my mission here, which only became clearer now that Renee dropped the friggen bomb on me. I let the musical tenor of their vampire voices carry me back to the day Renee told me she was sending me to Forks.

The hot Arizona sun stretched through the bare living room. Renee was at the kitchen table conferring with another Keeper, Phil. He was the leader of a group that worked in South America. I shut the apartment door behind me. She raised an eyebrow in my direction as I sauntered off to the bathroom to take a shower. The July humidity was unbearable. Sweat pooled down my back from the run I'd just finished. There was a soft knock on the bathroom door.

"Bella, honey? Can you come out here?" Renee's honey sweet voice made me anxious.

"Mom, I'm all gross. Can't this wait ten minutes?" My whine got caught in my throat.

"Sweetie, if it could wait, it would. This is important." Her footsteps retreated. I glanced in the mirror and hung my head. Nothing good could come of this. I opened the bathroom door and anxiously met Renee and Phil at the kitchen table.

"You remember Phil, right?" She nodded in his direction and he waved.

Of course I remembered Phil. After Italy, Renee and I spent time with Phil's camp in Brazil. I hated it. While the other kids got to play, I learned to fight. When the other kids were read bedtime stories, Renee was teaching me how to identify a vampire. If the camp went on a leisure hike together; we stayed behind and I learned survival tactics. By the time I was ten, and we left Phil and Brazil behind, I was able to track and spot vampires better than the Keepers who had just come into their abilities.

As much as I hated the time spent in Brazil, it was the first real memory I had to hold on to.

"I remember Phil." I smiled, tentatively.

"Well, honey, you know your 18th birthday is coming up and as a gift I decided I would send you Forks."

"What kind of gift is that?" I spat. My usual pallor was just beginning to get a slightly sun-kissed glow to it.

"An early admission into full Keeper status," Phil added.

"There's some activity that seems to be moving into the Seattle area. You could stay with your father and finish school," Renee offered.

"Just track them and call us in," Phil's heavy accent made the words swirl in the air before reaching my ears.

"By myself?" I was sure I could do it, but it wasn't how these initiation missions worked. You went in as a camp, all recently of-age Keepers. You worked together to complete the mission then you joined the ranks.

"Honestly, Bella. The greenhorns will just hold you back." Renee rolled her eyes at me. She was right, between my shielding ability and tracking knowledge, they would only hinder me. And I could track a vampire, no problem.

"You don't have to fight them, we wouldn't expect you to do that by yourself," Phil added quickly, sensing my concern.

"It'll be me and you, kid. A mother and daughter team, like Thelma and Louise!" Renee's eyes brightened and I didn't have the heart to tell her Thelma and Louise weren't a mommy/daughter team.

"Bonnie and Clyde meets Blade," Phil interjected.

"Which one do I get to be?" I asked dryly.

"Isabella Marie!" Renee shrieked in excitement. "My little girl is growing up!"

She jumped and hugged me tightly. I pushed her away so I could breathe. She held my shoulders tightly and her smile turned into a grave expression.

"You can't tell the others about this, Bella. This is something you must on your own."

Those words taunted me now. I should have known she was up to something when she went against protocol and sent me on a mission alone before I was physically capable. Edward took my hand and began humming. My vision kaleidoscoped in soft pinks and yellows as his voice carried me to a place that didn't hurt so much. He stopped too soon and red bled through the pale yellow. Renee returned.

"To be honest, I don't think I could stay away from her unless you killed me." Edward's musical vampire voice calmed me.

I wanted to read her mind, too. I wanted to know what horrible things she was thinking about him and understand how she'd made such a huge mess out of my life. I could feel her contempt for him as he tensed next to me. She tried to stake her own claim on me by taking the opposite hand and brushing hair from my damp face. He said he'd do what he needed to protect me. I wanted kiss him, but I was still paralyzed.

"You have no idea what you're dealing with. She'll do what I sent her here to do, then she'll go back to Aro and he'll take care of her in a way I never could."

Are you fucking kidding me? I've always known Renee was a terrible mother. She robbed me of my childhood. In more ways than one, as I've found out tonight. She always considered her needs first, moving on her whims instead of letting me create roots. Even without knowing that her vampire lover bit me, she was never going to get an award for mom of the year. But I trusted her. Renee betrayed me in a way I never expected anyone to, let alone my own mother. Pissed off and unable to deck her, I turned my thoughts to my last trip to Volterra.

I walked the corridors with Jane. We whispered about Felix and Alec like little girls. We looked like little girls, but we had both seen far too much to claim any innocence of our own. She took my hand and dragged me to the elevator.

"You know how he hates to be kept waiting," she giggled. And I did know. Aro was terribly impatient, in a way only a centuries old vampire could be.

Breathless, I leaned against the elevator wall and looked at my reflection in the metallic doors.

"Does it ever make you sad?" I avoided Jane's gaze at my reflection.

"What do you think should make me so sad?" She was reading my expression and mirroring it.

"Staying the same," I answered sadly. The last time Jane and I stood together, we were the same age physically. The two years since I last saw her, my girl body transformed into a woman body. I fought back the tears that threatened to spill over Jane's eternally-twelve body.

Her crimson eyes flashed with anger and she tucked her dark blonde hair behind her ears.

"Don't be foolish, Bella. Better to be forever a child than to be dead forever, yes?" Her mouth tightened into a smile as the elevator doors opened. I was stupid to think Jane and I could really be friends. She grabbed my hand and tugged me into the lobby. A human woman with red hair and black glasses glanced at me and Jane.

"Isabella," a sultry voice cooed from behind.

"Heidi." I smiled; she was one of the few people who only called me Isabella. It sounded so cool and sophisticated rolling off her tongue. She was dressed in knee-length cocktail dress. Its violet color popped against her pale skin and matched her eyes.

"I was hoping a fashion sense would come along with those fantastic hips and perky breasts," I blushed at her chide and Jane crushed my hand in hers.

"Let's not keep him waiting, children," her silky voice blanketed me in contentment and she opened the huge doors to the feeding room. It was freshly cleaned. I had just missed dinner.

"Dear one! Isabella! How was your walk through Volterra this evening?" Jane dropped my hand and skipped to Aro's side. I smiled weakly as Aro beckoned me forward. Jane's eyes narrowed as I complied.

"You are prettier every time I see you," his cold hand covered mine and I shivered. My mother was lurking in the underground with a woman who was part of the South American camp. I wished for her to show up.

"I know this will do you no good until your 16th birthday, child." He dangled a set of keys in front of me. "You can wash it for the few months remaining." He smiled and closed the keys in my hand.

"Really? You got me a car for my birthday?" I was so excited and couldn't wait for my mom to come out of the shadows so we could find the car.

"It's a Ferrari, so you remember your friends in Italy." He winked. "I am told it is very fast and shiny, I thought it would appeal to you."

"I don't know what to say," I whispered. Marcus and Caius joined Aro's side along with my mother and woman she was with.

"A 'thank you' will suffice, child," he answered with a cheerful laugh. "Your mother and I have important business to take care of. Dear one, please take Isabella and watch over her while her mother and I discuss adult matters."

Jane wanted to be angry with Aro for implying she wasn't adult enough to participate in their meeting, but he smiled so widely at her she couldn't stay mad. She grabbed my hand again and swung it as she skipped back to the door Heidi led us through.

"Thank you!" I yelled as Jane pulled me through the heavy doors.

It turned out the Ferrari was absolutely gorgeous. She was dark blue and sleek and speed. Little did I know how much it really cost me. How could Renee promise me to the Volturi? I tolerated her talk of destiny and fate and "you were born for this, Bella" because I always thought one day I would break free from her. The rest of my life would be in my own hands. Edward's growl was in sync with my own hatred toward the woman that called herself my mother. Mothers don't sell their children to the Volturi! I felt more helpless with Edward's departure.

"I don't know why he's acting so hostile toward me," Renee sighed.

"He can be intense," Carlisle replied.

I couldn't wait to be mobile again. Renee was sobbing to Carlisle about how she would never forgive herself if I didn't wake up. Yeah. Right. Crocodile fucking tears. He assured her that Alice's visions were always right and that she had nothing to worry about. My body began to twitch as she expressed her concern over Edward's presence.

"He's just not good for her," she explained.

"Edward is an accomplished man. He can be a bit brooding, but he is certainly a gentleman."

"Man or vampire, neither is good for the heart." She squeezed my hand and allowed Carlisle to make me colder.

"Her heartbeat is returning to normal," he noted. "I wonder if she'll be awake by late morning."

T hey both left the room and the door clicked behind them. I desperately wanted Edward to return and touch me. The pain that cut through me began to dull and the fire died. My eyes finally opened, though I was still unable to move most of my body. A tingling sensation replaced the burning from earlier, and I welcomed it. It took a great deal of effort, but I was able to prop myself up on my elbows. I tried to focus my eyes, but the stimulus was too much. Eyes closed tightly, I listened to the gentle rustling in the Cullen house. Where the hell is Edward? Is he seriously going to leave me like this? Typical vampire!

Tired of feeling helpless, I forced my eyes to open. After a few minutes I was able to focus on the room. Everything was crisp and clear in the early dawn's darkness. I felt sick to my stomach. He said he would protect me. That Renee would have to kill him if she wanted him to leave me. Such pretty words, Edward Cullen. They weren't meant for my ears. Footsteps approached, and I knew it wasn't him. The door flung open and the light from the hallway assaulted my eyes. Renee's body assaulted mine.

I pushed her violently and she flew back further than I expected. This is what's supposed to happen to you, no big deal. Renee brushed herself off and gave me an irritated glare. You fucking sold me out, you big fat liar. I narrowed my eyes and she shook her head at me.

"Isabella Marie," she clicked her tongue, "I know you're upset, but you need me."

"I haven't needed you since I was potty trained," I spat.

"Oh stop it. You're alive, aren't you?"

Yeah, but what am I?

I held my hand out to her and waited for her to drop my keys in my open palm.

"Don't forget you have work to do," her tone was authoritative and I snorted. I stormed past her and walked through the empty house. For a moment, I thought up stomping up to Edward's room and slapping him across his stupid, pretty, vampire face. He's not getting the satisfaction. I slammed the door on my way out.

There she was. Navy blue and sparkling under the first faint traces of a new day. The Ferrari F430. I sighed as I opened the driver's door. The engine started with a gentle hum and I felt like I was home. Until I remembered why I'd gotten this car. Stupid vampire bribes. I put the car in gear, slammed on the gas and rocketed out of the Cullen driveway. Where I was and where I was going didn't matter. I let the sun blind me as I followed my raw instincts.

As long as where I end up leads me as far away from Edward Cullen as humanly possible.

Teenage melodramatics were not my thing, but damn it. My birthday was starting to become one of those things that haunt a person for the rest of their lives. The way it sounded, I would have a long life to be haunted for. I sighed and pulled a CD from the glove box. Heavy drum riffs pushed me to my destination. Dirty guitars and gravelly vocals kept my anger at bay and fueled it at the same time. Tears started to fall down my cheeks and I gripped the steering wheel until my hands cramped and my knuckles turned white. I won't let this build up inside of me. I was heaving and sobbing when I put the car in park.

What little I had left I used to push the car door open. Last night's dress seemed dull to me and I realized I wasn't wearing shoes. The cold morning wind nipped at my naked shoulders and I shivered in response. Surrounded by tall trees and the heavy scent of pine, everything seemed familiar. But I didn't know where I was. Cold and shaking with anger, I kept going. The need to keep going was stronger than the pain from the sharp rocks on the ground, or the cold wind that whipped at my face. By the time my body let me slow down, I had already ripped the bottom of my dress up to my thigh.

I am a sick mess, in more ways than one.

The early morning sun shone in the clear sky. That clear sky was giant ruse. It would be cloudy skies and heavy rain within the hour. I could see the darkness creeping up on the sun and shuddered at the thought of being stuck out in the rain. On my birthday. In light of all my other fantastic birthday presents. The sun's rays offered me a little warmth as Washington's cold September surrounded me.

Then I saw him. He stood at the opposite edge of the clearing in front of me and looked up into the sun. His skin glittered and refracted like a million light prisms. It was beautiful and annoying. Kind of like him. Had I been wearing my sharp stilettos, I would have thrown one at him. Instead, I quietly snuck up on him. Torn between wanting to kiss him and wanting to tear him apart. He must have heard me and he turned to see me.

Great. My face is tear stained, my dress is ripped and my hair is probably full of twigs. I'm sure he'll be so sorry to see me go. Good plan, Bella, good plan.

I continued to stalk toward him and he gingerly moved to meet me. My mind was filled with "I thought we had something special" and "you said you'd protect me." Since when did I need protection, anyway? Oh yeah, since Renee ruined my life. More tears threatened to fall from my eyes when I came face to face with him.

He was all tall, sparkly and beautiful. I was nothing next to him. And everything with him. I was all dirty and haggard. It wasn't until he touched my face and my breath hitched, that I realized I had stopped breathing. I wanted to recoil and run away. I wanted to reject Edward Cullen and hurt him. He wiped a stray tear from my face and I stared up at him.

"Where were you?" My voice cracked.

"I thought I had more time," he whispered.

"To do what?" His hands were still on my face and I wanted to pull him closer to me, but I was still pissed.

"To figure this out." He smiled sadly at me and then kissed the top of my forehead.

I was on fire all over again, but this time it didn't hurt. It felt really good and I wanted to jump on my toes and connect my lips with his. Instead, I sunk my chin into my chest as he smoothed my hair. His hands brushed my bare back and I lifted my head. The sun had already begun to fade into the clouds and he ceased to glitter.

"You said you'd protect me," my words hit his chest. He lifted my hair of my shoulders and let it fall back down.

"You heard that?" He smiled and stepped away from me. His eyes roved over me and I crossed my arms in reply. "I meant it."

"Sure seems like it," I whispered bitterly and he tilted my chin so I would look at him.

"You're my life now, Bella," he whispered into my hair.

I wanted to push him down and have my way with him. I still wanted to slap him. The two don't have to be mutually exclusive, do they?

"How are you feeling?"

"Like hell," I replied, nervously smoothing my dress.

"You look beautiful," he sighed and pulled me close to him. Just do it, already. Or I'll do it.

My body was screaming for him. Our constant contact was slowly erasing all the pain I'd been in for the last few hours. I burned and pined and ached for his touch. For his lips against mine. For him to claim me as his own. He tensed and put enough space between us so he could look down at me.

Shit, don't tell me he can read my mind now.

The wind blew my hair across my face and he frowned. Gently, he tucked my hair behind my ears and stared at me carefully. And then, he finally made a decision.

His lips were at my lips.

His tongue was at my tongue.

His hands were at my hands.

Before I knew it, my legs were wrapped around his waist and my hands were tangled in his hair.

It was fire and ice and every other poetic cliché.

My lips pressed against his lips.

My tongue curled around his tongue.

My hips formed to his hips.

We were simply Edward and Bella, and we fit together perfectly.

A/N: I didn't want to drag it out too long. The story is not so much about what happened at the Cullen mansion, as you've probably figured out. But if there was anything you wanted to know or read, let me know. And, for those of you who still just don't get the Keepers, more details will come. But, if you're impatient, PM me and I can explain.

In case you were wondering, the song Bella listens to in the car is Slipknot's Vermilion. Not Part 2. And were it not for Placebo's I Feel You, I would have had to stave off on the kissing for another chapter. I Feel You was pretty important to this chapter, so give it a listen if you have the time. Also, Cat Power's album "You Are Free" helped with the Jane flashback, especially Werewolf, Babydoll and Speak for Me.

Oh...and I hope everyone has a happy 4th of July. (even if you're not in the states, I hope you have a FANTASTIC Saturday!)