A/N: SO HERE'S THE SOO PROMISED CHAPTER! LET THE REAL DRAMA BEGIN!

DISCLAIMER: STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS ANY TWILIGHT CHARACTERS THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS STORY. THE REMAINDER IS MY ORIGINAL WORK. NO COPYING OR REPRODUCTION OF THIS WORK IS PERMITTED WITHOUT MY EXPRESS WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION

CHAPTER 11: MY FUTURE… MY DESTINY.

As I stared to the stars from my balcony, dressed in my beautiful designer dress and as I heard the music from the party downstairs, I couldn't help but think about my life these past months. My recovery from that awful night in Seattle never happened. I still wake up sweating and crying, that night still fills every single one of my dreams. I dream of his lips on my skin and of his gorgeous body over mine. But I wake up to a lonely bedroom and to the feeling of rejection still lingering in my sheets. Edward didn't spoke to me after that night. I still remember the day he arrived…

Flashback

Alice and Rose came to pick me up Tuesday morning. I had cried myself to sleep a couple of hours ago and was deadly tired. I still got out of bed, into the bathroom and dressed. I went through the motions of the morning acting as if nothing was wrong. I wore a black long sleeved cardigan sweater over a white shirt, dark blue jeans and black high heels. I flat ironed my hair and did my make up simple; I wore no accessories but diamond earrings, sunglasses and my purse. By the time I was done, I looked refreshed and unaffected. The girls and I left for school and stayed for cheer practice. Edward never arrived, not even for after-school football practice. Everyone was worried about him; he was known for never missing practice. I knew better, he was just too ashamed or repulsed to look at me right now.

"Come on guys, I don't know why you're all worked up about this. He probably just got entertained with a girl. That seems to happen a lot to him" my voice was nonchalant and my face was mask but on the inside, I felt my blood boiling. It angered me that he could be with any other girl but me. Was there something wrong with me?

"I don't know Bella; I have a bad feeling about this"

"Oh, puh-lease Ali, don't be so melodramatic" I knew that I was being harsh, but if I softened up a bit, I was surely going to break down and I could not let that happen. No one could know about that humiliating night.

"It seems like someone woke up more bitchy than usual"

"Shut the hell up Em" I glared at him and he stopped his comments. The least I needed right now was my brother's teasing. I was on edge, as much as I hated to admit it; I wanted to see Edward too. Even if it was to have him glare at me. I wanted to know if he was okay; he left the hotel room pretty wild and I was worried sick. My brothers were called for practice and we went back to ours; Edward still didn't appear.

Practice finished and we went back to the Cullen's house, supposedly to wait for Edward. Past five o'clock, he finally appeared. He was so drunk he couldn't even walk straight, much less talk or even think of driving. He was carrying a bottle of tequila with him; I thanked god that there were no adults in here; they would have killed him if they found him like that. He had last night's clothes on, but they weren't on the state they had been when he left the room. His shirt was ripped and some buttons were missing, his pants were covered in dirt and he had no jacket or shoes on. What shocked me the most were his eyes, his deep and dazzling green eyes were full of self loathing and defeat, and there was enough feeling to make me shudder from fear. He looked like a kid, so broken and helpless that it broke my heart. My brothers helped him to one of the loveseats in the living room and took the bottle away. Bad idea.

"Hee...eey suuu...cke...eeer, give...eee meee tha…aat" his words were slurred but Jasper still understood what he meant. I did too; he wanted to get drunk until he couldn't remember what had happened.

"No way man, you're out of it and you don't know what the hell you're doing" my brother's voice was firm and final; Edward sighted in defeat and slumped in the seat. Alice had tears in her eyes and was clearly afraid but she still kneeled at his side.

"Eddie, what's wrong? Why are you doing this?" she spoke to him in the softest voice I've ever heard, like she was talking to a baby, or like he was made from crystal and was about to break. He glared at me but other than that, remained silent. "Edward, please answer me" Edward stood up and pushed her away, in an attempt to get to his room, he didn't make it far before he collapsed and fell down the stairs.

"EDWAAAARD!!!" we rushed to where he had landed at the bottom of the stairs to check on him. He had hit his head pretty hard and was passed out; he also had a large slash on the back of his head, probably from the impact. Alice and Rosalie were drowning in their tears and my brothers were just looking at him. It was time to take matters in my own hands. I swallowed my tears back and started giving them instructions.

"Emmett, Jasper; get Edward to his room now. I'll be there in a sec" they reacted to my words and picked him up and to his bedroom. I turned to look at the girls and glared at them "stop crying. You won't help him like that. Rosalie, go to Carlisle's office and get his first aid kit. Alice, heat some water and bring towels" they stood there staring at me "NOOW!" I climbed the two flights of stairs without looking back. Emmett and Jasper were just placing Edward on his bed. "Thanks guys, but please go and look for the girls. Help them calm down and bring the things I asked them for" they left without a word and left me with Edward in there. I finished unbuttoning his shirt and took it off without moving him so much. His head was definitely going to hurt if I was harsh.

I don't know what came over me, but seeing him in that bed, all hurt and in pain made my chest ache. My hand reached up to sweep his messy bronze hair away from his eyes and a tear fell down from my cheek. "Why did you have to do this Edward? This is not the answer" I kissed his lips softly and pulled back when I heard noise in the hallway.

"Here are the towels Bella" I turned to look at Alice and everyone was there, the girls still crying. I took the towels and the first aid kit from them.

"Em, Jazz. Please take the girls downstairs and give them some water. They need to calm down. Also, can you call Carlisle or Charlie please" Alice and Rose started to protest but a glare was enough for them to comply, the four left the room and went downstairs. I started to clean Edward's wounds; it was clear that he needed a doctor; he had sliced his head with the steps. But the towels would have to do until someone arrives. What seemed like an eternity later, but I'm sure it wasn't even an hour, Charlie appeared. He took care of Edward and gave him some pain meds. When he woke up the next day, he said he couldn't remember what had happened nor why he was drunk; but I was sure he was just covering for me.

End of Flashback

A single tear rolled down my cheek as I recalled that specific memory. I tried to avoid thinking of him at all cost after that day; but it wasn't easy. I tried to focus on my friends and brothers, on my classes; hell, I even tried focusing on other boys. But I couldn't forget about him. Nothing worked. I felt a change on the atmosphere and I instantly knew that he was here. I basked in his presence for a little before breaking the utterly perfect silence.

"What are you doing here?"

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EPOV

As I stared at her I felt everything around me disappear. She looked so peaceful and beautiful in the moonlight. Her golden dress made her look like an angel. It enhanced every single one of her features perfectly, giving her a dream-like look. The stars paled in comparison to her and nothing else mattered.

Usually when I make a decision I never regret it, but with her everything is different. Every decision I ever made around her went the wrong way. It didn't help that her expectations of me were so low. She expected always the worst from me, nothing I did was good enough. The decision that I'll regret even if I live a thousand years was the one to leave. I couldn't understand, or I didn't want to understand what I had done to her. At the time, I was just thinking about me, about what the realization and power of love could do to me. I got drunk in hopes of drowning my feelings but her face kept popping on my head. Soon her face was not the only thing that appeared; her angelic voice, her luscious legs, her slim and sexy figure; they all clouded my thoughts.

Another mistake I made was my silence. I never spoke to her, ashamed of my actions and afraid of what she might say. I refused to look at the deception in her eyes. I watched her from apart; always hidden in the shadows… lurking. I saw her smile and I wished so many times that I was the one causing it. I saw her have fun with my sisters, laugh at her brothers. I was hurt when I saw her flirt with boys; and I couldn't stop the voice in my head that said 'that could have been you'. I didn't want to be hurt by reality.

Today, just like every day in the past months, I watched her from apart. Not daring to speak a word that could break her spell over me. Her mere presence was haunting, but strangely soothing. She looked lost in her thoughts; immersed on her memories. The ghost of a sad smile grazed her lips. Probably thinking about better days; days in which I didn't troubled her life.

She never spoke to me either, too repulsed to even look my way. I couldn't blame her though; I am repulsive. I'm a monster for hurting my angel. She avoided me like the plague. I knew she hadn't told anyone about what happened between us. I wouldn't hold it against her if she did. I knew her brothers too well and I knew they would kill me as soon as they heard the news. I deserved it; but it probably would have been an easier punishment. It was more painful this way. I wasn't sure if she was aware of me but I planned on enjoying her presence as long as she allowed me. It wasn't long enough, though.

"What are you doing here?" her voice was blank, it gave me nothing to hold on; but it still sent shivers down my spine. It was like honey and I felt home. She didn't even turn to look at me as she spoke.

"How did you know I was here?" I wanted to keep her talking, to see if she turned to me. I felt the need to look into her beautiful brown eyes.

"Answer my question and I'll answer yours" it was an easy question to answer but I wasn't sure if she'll answer mine. Nothing was pure and simple with Bella.

"Carlisle sent me to look for you. The ball is about to drop and he wants you to be downstairs. He was worried too; you locked yourself up here since Charlie and Renee left two hours ago" like expected she didn't answer. I stayed where I was.

"What are you waiting for? A round of applause or what? Just tell Carlisle that I'll be there in a few" her voice was harsh and she turned defensive; but she still didn't look at me.

"You didn't answer my question"

"I never promised anything" I had to try a different approach since this one wasn't working.

"What are you doing in here" she was silent but after a second she sighted

"If I answer you'll leave?"

"Yes"

"I wasn't in the mood to party"

"LIAR" that got her to look at me, her doe eyes were full of anger "you love to party. It's your favorite pastime" I needed to get a reaction out of her; if anger was the only one I could get, then so it be.

"Back off Masen. This is none of your damn business" I started walking toward her until I had her cornered against the rail of the balcony.

"How did you know I was here?"

"You smell like whisky and cheap Revlon" her eyes shifted from angry to amused in matter of seconds "I guess drunk is the only way to do Tanya. I can't believe you don't get bored with her" she was trying to free herself from my arms but I just tightened my hold on her.

"Actually, I had only one glass of whisky and Carlisle was the one to save me from Tanya. Hardly a reason to be jealous, my lovely" douche Edward was back and I was sure it was to bother her.

"Ha. Me? Jealous? Of Tanya? Not even in your wildest dreams Masen" of course Tanya had nothing in comparison to Bella.

"So… are you gonna be a good girl and tell me what are you doing up here, alone, in the cold?" my face was inches apart from hers and I had to urge to get closer. To taste her again.

"Umm…" she pretended to think and then continued "are you gonna be a good boy and tell me why you left on Seattle" I flinched, my smirk faltered and my heart skipped a beat. Her face was blank and her stare cold but she didn't flinch back like I did. I felt a searing pain rip trough me as the memories from that night filled my mind.

"No"

"No? I knew you didn't have the pants to face me. You're too much of a coward"

"Why you choose to talk about that tonight of all nights?"

"Are you gonna let go off me and go downstairs?" I didn't fail to notice that she ignored every single one of my questions.

"No"

"Why not?"

"You said you wanted to talk about Seattle. I'm not gonna leave until we sort it out. Even if I have to stay all night in here" I was telling her the truth. I couldn't bear another second of her indifference. If telling her that I love her was going to change everything, then I'll do it in a heartbeat.

"You have to leave. Carlisle will look for us if we don't go downstairs"

"Let him look or let's do this quickly. You started with the question and you'll stay here to listen to the answer; even if it's the last thing I do" my voice was final and we both knew that there was little time left. The ball was going to drop in minutes.

"No. just let me go and forget about it" a pained expression covered here features and I felt my heart break a little "I don't want to remember. Please Edward… Please" her voice was so low and broken; she couldn't even look at me. Unconsciously, my hand reached up to her chin and I lifted her head so I was looking directly into her eyes.

"Bella, sweetie, look at me, please. Let me explain what happened" my voice was barely a whisper. I was afraid of her reaction "give me a chance to tell you the truth" my eyes were pleading and if asked I would kneel at her feet.

"Edward, please don't. Don't hurt me anymore. You did enough already" she looked so scared and broken. The strongest woman I've ever met looked so fragile right now. She had to know the truth. I had to fix everything with her

"Bella, I left that night because I realized that I lo…" I heard the countdown downstairs and the cheers as the ball dropped. Bella's mouth was centimeters away from mine. Her soft lips barely moved as she spoke.

"Forget it. Just kiss me and forget it" I closed the gap between us and kissed her. I felt the familiar jolt of electricity running through me as her lips moved in sync with mine. Her hands went to my hair as I ran my tongue over her bottom lip, asking for entrance. I deepened the kiss and I allowed myself to get lost in her. I kissed her for everything; for the hurt I caused, for the need and despair of not having her with me. The kiss said sorry, forgive me, forget my mistakes, please let me in… I love you. I broke the kiss when neither one of us could take the lack of oxygen and rested my forehead against hers.

"Bella. I lo…"

"What a lovely scene we have in here" I turned around and shielded Bella from this intruder. He was a young man, probably in his mid twenties, he had dark hair, striking red eyes and a frightening smile plastered on his face.

"Who are you and what the fuck are you doing in here?" my voice was low and menacing but he just laughed at me.

"You really think you're scaring me, kid? And please drop the charade; you can't protect her from me Edward. Neither of you is safe while I'm in here"

"Like hell I can't. Try to hurt her and you'll see" I had no idea how he knew my name but I was sure as hell that this stranger was not going to hurt my Bella.

"Ha! Boy, you don't stand a chance against me" he crouched and jumped on me, successfully knocking me to the floor. His iron grip made it impossible to free myself and he used a piece of fabric to cut my vision.

"EDWARD!!!" Bella's cries broke the silence. Her voice was scared and repulsed

"BELLA!!!" she started sobbing but made no other sound "Bella, sweetie, calm down; okay? I promise that everything will be okay"

"You can't promise her that, lover boy. You're both at our mercy now"

"Don't hurt her. Take me but leave her here" I felt my body being lifted from the floor and carried at an impressive speed away from the house. I could hear Bella's cries a few feet apart, so I knew she was still with me.

"We can't do that. You see, you've been both very naughty in the past months. It would have been so easy to take you that night you went to Seattle. But what fun would that one be? Poor Bella didn't even notice that I was the one driving the cab" a panicked shout ripped through Bella as realization dawned on her. "But no, it's better this way. More painful if you are conscious of what's happening" he threw us to the floor of a dark room and closed the doors behind him. The only thing I could hear was his laugh as it vanished with the distance and Bella's cries of fear.

"Bella?"

"Emmett? Em, are you in here?" I took the piece of fabric off and looked around; Bella was also removing the blindfold from her eyes and Emmett was holding a crying Rosalie on the corner.

"Rose? Baby are you okay" I slowly made my way to where she was and she flung herself to my arms.

"God, I'm so glad you're okay. He…he told us… that he" she couldn't finish the sentence before sobs overtook her. I hugged her tightly to my body and I heard Emmett do the same for Bella. A blinding light came from the doors but was soon gone. Two more bundles were thrown inside.

"Rose, go to Bella. Emmett come and help me please" the girls hugged each other tightly as Emmett and I made our way to the door. I heard a whimper leave one of the blankets and I instantly removed it. Alice had been tied and gagged. Emmett removed the blanket from the other body and we found Jasper in the same situation as my sister but unconscious.

"JAZZY!!!"

"ALICE!!!" after the girls calmed down and Japer woke up, we finally stopped moving. Six guys came and blindfolded us before they took us outside. As we were taken deeper into the city the weather became colder. They threw us to the floor again and left us there. Taking off the blindfold I registered my surroundings. The only furniture in the room were several massive wooden chairs, like thrones, that were spaced unevenly.

"Where are we?"

"In Volterra, dear Alice" a smooth voice called from somewhere in the room and we turned around to locate it. Three men with long robes were standing in the center of the room, two women in summer dresses behind them. The man who spoke had jet-black, long hair and translucent white skin, chalklike; his eyes were the same striking red color as the ones from the guys that captured us. His voice was just a soft sighing.

"How do you know my name?"

"Oh dear, I know all your names. I've watched you since you were born; how could I not know them?" he smiled at her but his face was scary "But forgive me, I haven't introduced myself nor my brothers properly. We are –"

"Aro, Caius and Marcus, nighttime patrons of the arts and rulers of Volterra"

"Very good Isabella; very good"

"Bella, do you know them?"

"No, but I've heard enough to fear them" Bella never broke the eye contact with Aro as she told us the story "months ago I found a collection of books in Carlisle's study. At first I thought they were normal books, but they turned out to be journals. Esme's journals in fact. I never believed what they said; that's it until now. She spoke about breathtaking, mythological creatures that subsisted by drinking the blood of their victims. The Cold Ones, she said; or commonly called… VAMPIRES. They are said to be beautiful and fast, and cold-skinned, and very hard at touch. Everything about them is a predator, and everything about them in theory is supposed to lead us to them as their prey, we can't out run them, and we can't out strengthen them, we are completely helpless against the threat of them. They are part of the undead and they are immortal"

"But how are those myths related to this, Bella?"

"They aren't myths Emmett. She spoke of three specific vampires in her journals; Aro, Caius and Marcus. The Volturi are the equivalent of a royal family to vampires. They enforce the laws of the vampire world. They operate from the city of Volterra, Italy. Although they are not the 'official' royal family of vampires, they still act as though they are, and are an incredibly influential coven. They are also considered 'nighttime patrons of the arts'; as, because of their inability to sleep, they study the arts at night. The Volturi act as guardians, keeping the secret society of vampires hidden from the human world as needed. They often send others to travel from Volterra to destroy overzealous covens from exposing vampires through mass eradication of every vampire or human present. However, they abuse of the power that they posses."

"You seem to be very… informed about us Isabella. I hope you also know what happens to the humans that know too much" Bella's face paled and her eyes were full of fear.

"You wouldn't"

"You see Isabella. I would. Not only because of your knowledge but because if a debt. Do you remember anything else from Esme's journals?"

"Just that Carlisle and Charlie lived with you before they met her and Renee. Nothing else" I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that the guys before us were vampires. It was impossible.

"You see, my dear. Charlie and Carlisle stole Esme and Renee from my guard. Such a waste… they had a lot of potential. I prepared my revenge for a long time, but the opportunity to put it in action took a lot to present itself. It eventually did and it was perfect; not even if I planned it would it have gotten better. They met your parents in one of their multiple façades trough college; they were really attached. They went to their weddings and they used to do reunions once in a while. But then Elizabeth and Valerie got pregnant and my plan was set in motion. We were going to kill you and your parents, but you had too much potential to let it waste. Eventually, I did got rid of them and now I'll make sure you don't waste any more time"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"That, Jasper, means that we're gonna change you into something better. Into something invincible. Into vampires." He smirked at us and I felt shivers down my spine. He was truly frightening "Hmmm… the smell of fear. Glorious. Let's see, who to start with?"

"Maybe brother, you should start with the brunette. Delectable blood and perfect body. And she, indeed, knows too much"

"You're right Caius. Besides, she'll be the one who will cause the most pain between them. To see the strongest one at our mercy"

"And it'll show the rest what happens with the rebellious ones"

"Exactly Marcus"

"Caius, Marcus; you're geniuses. Let's start with sweet and noble Bella" Aro's grin widened and in matter of seconds he pinned her to the floor. The rest of us were held by other five vampires and were unable to move. "I'm sorry sweetie, this will be quick" he pressed his mouth to the base of her neck, like if he was kissing her. The action would have been a normal one if the sound of her skin tearing apart didn't echo in the room. The room was completely silent. As he stood up I could see a droplet of her blood in the corner of his mouth. She let a gut wrenching cry of pain and nothing else. One by one my family disappeared before my eyes. Rosalie, Alice, Emmett and Jasper. Aro repeated his actions until I was the only one left.

"Awww, poor Eddie is crying. Don't worry kid; you'll join their pain soon" I could hear four different cries of pain around me. Every single one screamed, except Bella. My Bella. Aro pinned me to the floor and I felt his lips press against my throat; exactly where my main artery was located. All I felt were his sharp teeth cut through my skin before darkness and pain enveloped me.

A/N: SO, WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK? PRETTY ANGSTY, HUH? WELL THIS WAS THE CHAPTER I FIRST IMAGINED WHEN I CREATED FINAL DESTINY. THOUGH IT WAS HARDER TO WRITE THAN I THOUGHT. ANYWAYS, HOPE IT REACHED YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND PLEASE REVIEW!

TODAY'S STORY:

Creature of Habit » Bella begins working for the elusive and distant Edward Cullen who she discovers is hiding behind an elaborate charade to maintain his secret lifestyle. Bella is determined to find out the mysteries of Edward Cullen but with what results? AU, OOC.

XOXO *A & V*