Hey, sorry for the long wait. Here's another update! Btw, Edward does NOT read minds in this story. Please don't hate me… Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter Eleven : Build the Moon
Bella's POV:
As the days went by, I slowly began to feel less afraid of Edward. The way he regarded me was unexpected of a traditional vampire, but I was pleasantly surprised, nevertheless. I even became brave enough to leave the confines of my bedroom to explore the castle, which was blessed with the most incredible architect and historical artifacts.
When I ate my meals, Edward would quietly observe me from across the long table, his golden eyes following my every movement. He would ask me more about my past and how I had come to Forks.
I told him that after my parents were killed, I had stumbled upon the village and was taken in by Angela's mother. Since then, Angela and I were as inseparable as sisters. Talking about her made a feeling of sadness flow through me, but I shook it off so Edward would not notice.
"Bella, are you okay?" He gently inquired from across the table.
I lifted my head up and saw a look of concern and curiosity lighting his lovely irises.
"Yes…I am just fine." I answered hastily, brushing my hands along the skirt of my dress.
His marble brow furrowed, implying that he didn't believe my assumption. Edward stood from his chair and strode to my side of the table. He was walking at a regular human speed, probably trying to not upset me.
"There is something that I want to show you. I think it will cheer you up." He held out his hand toward me. I slowly took it. His cold, slender fingers gently clasped around my small hand, cradling it with a soft tenderness.
"You'll have to close your eyes because it's a surprise." He helped me off my chair and I felt soft carpet beneath my feet.
"But I have a hard enough time walking with my eyes open. With my eyes closed, I'll just knock down a suit of armor or another priceless item." I gulped after finishing my little tripping tirade.
Edward chuckled and smiled widely.
"Well, if you don't want to walk, I'll carry you." But you still have to shut your eyes." He bent down and carefully swept me off my feet, cradling me with the tenderest care I had ever felt.
As Edward walked down the north hallway, I closed my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder. Whenever he held me like this, I felt a strong sense of security, like nothing could ever harm me.
After a few minutes, we stopped moving and I felt Edward's cool breath at my ear.
"Now, you can open your eyes, Bella." He whispered.
My feet touched the carpet as Edward released his hold on me. I opened my eyes and gazed around in wonder.
Huge bookshelves stood against the walls, encircling the entire with their structures.
"I…I've never seen so many books in all my life. It's wonderful, Edward."
I turned around and saw him smiling. "Then, the library is yours, Bella." He gestured with his hand for me to go explore. Instead, I ran to him and wrapped my arms around his waist.
"Thank you, Edward." I whispered in his ear. Then, I ran to the nearest bookshelf, pulling out a copy of Pride & Prejudice. For the first time in a month, I began to feel content and safe since my abduction by my captivating captor.
Edward's POV:
A few hours after I presented the library to Bella, she had fallen asleep in one of the cushioned armchairs, a copy of Wuthering Heights lying in her lap.
I calmly went to her side, set the book on the arm of the chair, and lifted Bella into my arms. Her soft, delicate body seemed to fit perfectly in my arms as if she were meant to be there. She stirred slightly and unconsciously clutched onto the front of my shirt.
"Edward…" She mumbled in her sleep. I gazed down at her sleeping face and almost chuckled. She was dreaming about me?
I finally arrived into her bedchamber and gently laid her on the bed, pulling the covers over her body. As Bella turned to lay on her side, her scent once more filled my nostrils. Holding my breath, I quickly left the room before the desire overwhelmed me.
Hunting would be the only remedy for tonight. I hadn't fed on anything since I brought Bella here, and I did not want to risk losing control around her. As I walked toward the castle entrance, a horrible image filled my mind. I was holding a lifeless, bleeding Bella in my arms, crying and screaming at the crimson sky.
Why did her blood have to be so tempting? How can I protect her from what I am?
As I tried to arrange my jumbled thoughts, I found myself on the outer castle grounds, the bright moon shining in the night sky.
Since I had fallen in love with Bella, it felt sort of wrong to drink human blood. Perhaps if I looked for an alternative, I would not be the monster I was cursed to become. Humans hunted down animals as their prey, so why couldn't I do it?
Soon enough, I came to a deep patch of woods, the wind blowing ominously through the trees. Suddenly, a pair of shiny, black eyes moved in my direction.
Out of the bushes came a large, white-tailed stag, his huge antlers proudly crowned on his head.
I quickly hid behind a tree and his ears perked up when he sensed my movement. He turned his head from side to side, listening for any more sounds.
I began to lean on my haunches, preparing to pounce on the creature.
Finally, I leapt from my hiding place and tackled the deer. He groaned in pain as I bit into his throat, but they soon ceased to sound. The taste of his blood was not as satisfying as a human's, but if it meant that Bella was no longer frightened of me, then it was damn well worth it.
She was worth it…
Once I finished, I pushed away the carcass and headed back to the castle.
I thought of seeing Bella awake, lively and vibrant from a long night's sleep. I considered telling her how she made me feel, but I quickly dismissed the idea.
How could a human love a vampire?
Why had I even taken her? I thought of releasing her to return to Forks, allowing her to have a normal life. I just wanted her to be happy and safe.
As I came to the castle gate, I heard a scream coming from inside. I almost froze where I stood. Bella was in danger and I wasn't there to protect her. Running inside, I arrived to her bedchamber.
She was gone, the window smashed and broken, leaving small shards of glass strewn on the floor.
Someone had taken my Bella. I would look for them.
I would find them…and kill them.
