A/N: Sorry it's been so long! Lack of reviews = lack of ambition. Especially when my schedule is packed full of other things to do. I have the whole thing outlined, but Bree has a mind of her own so things could always change. This story is going in an interesting direction at the moment.

So… five reviews = update. So read, enjoy, remember I don't own Twilight, and REVIEW!


Chapter Eleven

"Hello?" a velvet voice echoed from the shadows behind me. A voice that smooth and perfect could only belong to one thing: a vampire.

I whipped around as fast as I could, landing on my feet as I prepared to run. My teeth bared and I leaned forward into a hunting crouch. I'll teach you to startle me.

"Whoa there, girl. I'm not going to hurt you." He snorted softly at the vicious expression on my face. But I wasn't moving. A male vamp stood behind me, shrouded in the shadows of the woods. He stepped into the light behind me. He was shorter than most, with the same pale skin. Thick black hair surrounded his face and he was quite handsome. But that wasn't what I was thinking about.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, not moving up from my crouch. I needed to be ready if he attacked after all.

"I could ask you the same question."

"I asked first."

"Fine. I live here. I'm a "vegetarian" like you. Have been my whole life. Or…vampire life rather."

"Your eyes are red." The glittering red irises on his cold, white face had not escaped my notice.

"I'm young. So, I told you what I am doing way out here. Your turn."

I paused, not moving a muscle. I didn't like this strange vampire one bit. "I just hunting."

"Doesn't look like you're hunting to me."

"I'm taking a break."

He snorted. "Tired are you?"

"No."

"Then what are you doing out here?"

"I'm running away from my coven."

"Why? Didn't let you have that choice human you found?"

His cold voice bristled the hair on the back of my neck. No, I didn't like him one bit. "No that's not it."

"Then what is it?"

"I tried to kill one of their wives."

"And was there a motive for the attempted murder or are you just crazy?"

"I wanted to stop her from being changed."

His eyebrows raised and I could sense his curiosity on the air. Of course he would wonder why a human girl was married to a vampire. I waited to see if he asked. But he didn't. "What's your name?"

Lie. Come on girl! Lie!

I haven't lied to him yet.

He can't be trusted! LIE!

"Bree." My name burst from my lips before I could stop it. The more sensible voice in my mind groaned and slammed the door on its way out.

"Bree." He said it slowly, savoring every letter.

"And your name?"

"Leopold."

"Well, I'd better get going Leopold. I'm sure my coven is worried about me."

"Wait, you're still going back to them?"

"Of course. I don't want to have to go on alone."

"So join me."

His request caught me completely off-guard and I almost fell over as I straightened up. But vampires don't fall over. Ever. "I don't think…"

"Why not?"

"I've been with this coven a long time… I wouldn't feel comfortable just leaving them behind without so much as a good-bye…"

"So go back, say your good-byes, and return to me." In one movement too fast for human eyes to follow, he narrowed the distance between us and stood just inches away from me. My breathing quickened as his gaze held me hypnotized, like a snake before its charmer. He lifted one hand and stroked my cheek with the back of it. "So beautiful," he muttered with a smile.

"Um…thank you…I've really got to go now…"

"Good-bye, Bree. Think about my offer." He disappeared into the trees like a ghost. I stood in shock for several seconds before striding off in the way I had come. But all I could think of on my way back was the strange vampire named Leopold.


Whatcha think about Leopold? Think he can be trusted? Review please! :) I want five before I update.