A/N: All right, so I'm totally prepared to take the rain of rotten tomatoes that you are all bound to throw at me. I know that I haven't updated in such a long time! I feel immensely guilty about it, but I do have reasons. Yes, I know I've written other small things for Twilight such as a Christmas themed Jasper/Alice one-shot and a poem. But those are just little things that didn't take me very long. Unfortunately, even though I really wanted to update "Bitemarks and Bloodstains", I couldn't. Why, you ask? Well, for one, I hardly had any time to spare what with my school work and having to watch my little brother after school every day. Life caught up with me and I couldn't keep pace with a story in tow. Secondly, I hit a writer's block. And it was a major one. Not just one of those little ones that goes away in a few days, but one that latches onto your mind and sucks all of your creativity out of you. Like a leech, almost. But never fear, I have banished that writer's block into the deepest pits of Hell and hopefully, it won't return.

That being said, I hope you all can enjoy this chapter and that it satisfies my lack of updates. I will try much harder to get chapters out to you sooner. They might not come every week or even every other week, but I promise it won't be another four months before I update this again. I've made sure of that. Anyway, review like you always do, my faithful readers, and you shall receive another chapter in return! Thank you so much for listening to my little rant! Enjoy!

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Chapter Ten

"If you keep pacing like that," Jasper began, his voice dry. "You'll put a hole in the floor."

I stopped mid-stride, my gaze falling down to the floor. I hadn't even noticed that I had been pacing back and forth at the foot of the bed.

"Sorry," I muttered, fumbling with my hands as I sat down on the edge of the mattress. The springs creaked ominously beneath my weight and I cringed.

"There's no need to be sorry, Bella," said Jasper softly. "I know that you are anxious. Just as you should be," he added when I threw him a look. His golden eyes met my much darker gaze. "Would you like me to fix it?"

"Fix what?" I questioned.

"Your anxiety," he replied as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

I suppose that it was pretty obvious. My mind was so out of the loop, though, that I doubted I would have been able to spot a huge, pink elephant in the room. I broke my gaze with Jasper and turned away, shaking my head softly.

"No," I said, my voice raw. "I can live through it."

"If you're sure," Jasper murmured, rising from his position at the window. My eyes snapped over to him and I watched as he took his coat off the hook near the door and slid his arms into the sleeves. I immediately tensed and sat up straighter, my eyes narrowed at him.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I need a snack," he answered, flashing me a brief smile, his razor sharp teeth positively menacing.

My shoulder slumped; I'd thought he had seen the convoy of Cullen cars rolling into the lot. "Oh," I mumbled dejectedly. "Well, don't be too long. I'm sure they'll be here soon."

Another smile appeared on his face, though this one was much softer, much more Jasper like. This was my favourite smile of Jasper's, the one that reminded me just how kind he'd been to me over the last ten months.

I watched him as he meticulously wound a scarf around his neck to make it look like he, too, would be battling the cold like everyone else. I didn't ask why he was playing up his human side, or lack thereof, rather let him slip out of the room silently, the door clicking softly shut behind him.

A heavy sigh escaped me. My eyes drifted over to the clock on the bedside table. Immediately, I wished that I hadn't looked. It was only five thirty in the morning. Even driving at their ridiculous speeds, none of my family would be able to reach us before seven. And that was when Jasper had done the math, placing them at a speed of one hundred and twenty miles per hour.

God, it was going to take forever to pass the time. I was never one of those people who could find some way to entertain themselves to make the time pass faster. Sure, I was capable of distracting myself, but the only thing that was distracting for me anymore these days, aside from hunting, would require Edward to be here. That only reminded me of the fact that I had not been wrapped in his cool arms, his protective and incredibly loving embrace, in almost twenty four hours. For most, it wouldn't be that much of a deal. They could endure that period of time, but I couldn't. It was like a large chunk of my heart had been torn out of my chest, like half of my being had been stolen from me rather unnecessarily and concealed away. But thankfully, I wouldn't have to go and find it.

I sighed again, flopping backward onto the mattress. One of Emmett's shins was next to my head and I glared at it, like it had committed some sort of offence against me. Which it had, considering who it was attached to. Emmett was one of those profusely lucky people who could entertain himself with a video game for hours on end. I'm sure that he was so completely absorbed in his game that he wouldn't notice if I pinched him. And I pinched rather hard.

However, I didn't not to tempt fate and sink my talon-like nails into his porcelain skin; it was more than likely that we would end up wrestling and I would lose, just like always, my head pinned under his massive arm as he mussed up my hair.

I turned my eyes to the ceiling and began to count the little popcorn dots that decorated the uneven surface. It wasn't exactly the most exciting or thrilling activity that I would occupy myself with, but it was the first that came to mind. I would have turned on the television, but Lord only knows where the remote went after Emmett and I had battled over it last night. The last I'd seen of it, it had fallen behind the dresser. At that period of time, neither of us cared anymore and a few minutes later, we couldn't even recall what we had been arguing about, anyway.

A small smile graced my lips as I thought of the rest of my family, the ones who would be joining us soon. I couldn't wait to see their abnormally beautiful faces and greet them with exuberance hugs. I hoped that they'd missed me as much as I had missed them. I could almost picture how each one of them would greet me. But as much as I wanted to see Rosalie, Alice, Esme and Carlisle, there was one that mattered above all the rest. And currently, he was the one I was trying to get out of my head.

I'd never realized how much he occupied my thoughts until he was gone. The same thing had come to my attention when he'd left me, thinking that I would be safer without a coven of vampires in my life. My head was shaking back and forth before I could stop it. He could be so silly, especially when it came to the matter of my safety. It didn't matter any longer now. I was just as strong as him, if not a little bit stronger. He'd always told me that newborns were insatiably strong in their first year of eternal life.

With a small frown, I realized that my first year as a vampire was nearly up. Soon, my eyes would be completely ochre and I would be officially be one of the Cullens. I wouldn't be some impostor who was trying to adapt to their lifestyle. Oh no, I would be living it. And I wouldn't allow myself to slip up, to make a silly mistake. I would control my lust for blood, no matter how hard it got. If I had to tear myself away from all humanity for an immeasurable amount of time, then I would do it. It was no question that my angel, my glorious Edward would be by my side all along the way. He'd promised me such a few days after I'd been changed and our lives were flipped upside down.

I rolled over onto my stomach and propped my head up on my arms. Emmett's massive expanse of a back was facing me; he'd apparently moved into a sitting position and was now hunched over his handle-held gaming device. Something called a PSP that he was completely addicted to. It annoyed the hell out of Rosalie, when she was trying to talk to him, but he was too absorbed in his game. It was times like those that Emmett reminded me of a little boy, one who was so easily distracted as well as entertained by something as simple as a video game. God, I envied him so much right now.

I was tempted to take the PSP out of his hands and make him talk to me, but Emmett wasn't exactly one of the best conversationalists. Sure, he was good for a laugh and a very intelligent being, that much was almost too true for my liking, but he didn't seem to feel comfortable with discussing much of anything, to be truthful. Not unless he was conversing with Rosalie.

A huff of a breath escaped me as I flipped over onto my side and rolled into a sitting position that mirrored Emmett's. My stomach gave a small growl. It was complaining; I wanted a snack. Man, I knew I should've grabbed my coat and left with Jasper! We could've killed two birds with one stone, quite literally, if we really wanted to amuse ourselves.

I rose to my feet, stretching out the tension in my limbs. My shoes were near the door and I slipped my feet into them, not bothering to lace them up. I would do that once I got outside. All I knew was that my skin was crawling. Even if I wasn't that hungry, I didn't necessarily have to hunt when I left the comforts of the hotel room. I could just go for a walk. It probably wasn't the smartest idea, but I needed to get out of this damn room! I would go mad if I didn't.

Emmett seemed to notice that I was fluttering about the room, tugging an extra sweater shirt over my head to give the illusion that I would be effected by the crisp air of the outdoors. He furrowed his brow in confusion as he watched me.

"Are they back?" he asked, his excitement barely concealed.

I shook my head. "No," I said, a remorseful smile on my face. "They're not."

His face fell visibly and I imagined that my facial expression didn't look all that much different from his. "Oh," he murmured, dejected. "That's okay. Just let me know when they are, all right?"

I nodded and gave him a salute. "I sure will."

Emmett returned to his game, looking like a small, confused child with his golden eyes wide. I felt the need to give him a hug, but refrained. He'd probably think that I was either crazy with emotions or that I was trying to start something. As much fun as it was beating Emmett seven out of the ten times we wrestled, I highly doubted the hotel owner would appreciate it if we did some of our very own renovations.

I donned my coat, a simple black number that Edward had purchased for me. I rarely wore it, but was still surprised that it smelt faintly like him. Bringing the lapel to my nose, I inhaled deeply, my head spinning as the scent spiralled through my nostrils and consumed my brain.

He needed to get back soon.

I untied my hair from the ponytail I had pulled it back into and ran my fingers through in an attempt to tame the locks. I was mildly successful and when I looked at myself in the mirror, I saw that my eyes were glowing a bright red-orange, caught in the middle like a burning flame almost to the point of swelling, but diminishing. If that made any sense at all. Tucking a strand of my silky brown hair behind my ear, I wetted my tongue with venom and wiped the crusted blood from the sides of my lips. I would need a shower and sometime soon; I felt dirty from my hunt.

I unlocked the door and pulled it open, twisting around to look over my shoulder at Emmett. "I'll be back in a few minutes," I said. At his questioning look, I added, "I just want to get some fresh air."

Emmett nodded. "Okay. Just don't get into too much trouble, if you can manage that."

I smiled at him, hoping that my joy at his remark reached my eyes. Even though he might not have been aware of it, I was always grateful for Emmett's presence. There was something about the air of exuberance that seemed to follow him around that was pleasant. And there was the fact that he was a natural comic. I'm sure that in his human life, he was a very entertaining young man that all the ladies loved.

With that thought in mind, I stepped out of the hotel room. The air was cool, I would freely admit that, but it felt nice against my skin. This air was unpolluted and tingling in my nose as I inhaled, my chest swelling outward. I held my breath as I walked across the parking lot, hurrying past the front office. If I couldn't smell the teenage girl inside, then I wouldn't be tempted to draw her blood. That is what I told myself, anyway.

To present a believable human display, I tucked my hands in the pockets of my black pea coat. The temperature difference was minuet, but welcomed nonetheless. I never realized how much I'd taken the slight change in temperature for granted. Now, I always felt it and warmth was most welcome. If I had my way, however, I would forever be encased in the stone arms of my beloved.

Edward.

My lower stomach gave a lurch at the sound of his name in my head. I wanted to see him. I knew exactly how I would greet him, too. I would run at him, full speed, not caring what humans were watching, and throw my arms around him. My lips would meet his in the most passionate of kisses. It would be so expressive, so meaningful that Edward would never leave my side again. Not even if I was in the worst sort of danger.

I had to do that. Not only for myself, but for him as well. He couldn't put his life in danger like that. No matter how important he thought I was to him, he always seemed to forget that he meant just as much, if not more to me.

Oh, how I longed to be in his arms!

I sighed again, inwardly rolling my eyes at my overdramatic thoughts, and turned the corner. I was walking along the backside of the hotel now, the side I hadn't seen before. There wasn't much back here. Tall pines littered the surrounding area and gave off a mouth-watering aroma. It might not have been as good as blood, but it was a pleasant smell nonetheless. There was one car in the lot. It was a plain car. A beige, four door sedan with Oregon plates. Nothing out of the ordinary at all. I bent my head against the wind and hurried down the stretch near the office.

Inside the window, I could see that it wasn't a teenage girl inside, but an older man. He looked to be middle aged and had glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose. By the looks of it, he was doing the bookkeeping. It didn't look like a very exciting task and I picked up my speed. However, the man seemed to notice the white blur that passed by the window front of his office and as I walked toward our room, I heard the tinkering of the bell above the door.

"Miss?" he called out.

No. Please don't come any closer, I thought, clenching my mouth shut tightly.

I cringed and flinched when I heard his footsteps slapping against the pavement. He was following me. Following danger like an idiot. The wind was behind me and therefore, swept his scent in my direction. Venom flooded my mouth and I felt my mind go blank.

Oh no. Not this again. It'd happened like this before, when it had been Jasper and I on one of our hunting trips. We hadn't intended on a human crossing our paths and before Jasper could stop me, I already had my mouth clamped tightly around the woman's throat and had violently ripped out her vocal box before she could scream.

I closed my eyes against the memory and willed the monster away. I tried to keep it at bay, but I knew that it was a fruitless attempt.

"Miss, do you need something?" the man persisted, picking up his pace as I hurried down the path to the room. It was only a few feet away now.

Another gust of wind. Another gust of a delicious scent. I could feel the beast roaring in my chest, telling me - no, commanding to take this man's life. What was he, but just another insignificant human? No one would miss him if I tore out his jugular. In fact, I doubted that they would even notice.

"Is there something wrong with your accommodations?"

No. No, no, no, no, no!

I wouldn't do this again! I swore to myself that I wouldn't take another life!

But. . .he smelt so delicious.

In a snap decision, I paused in my walking and whirled around. The rush of venom into my mouth had caused an overflow and some of the clear, thick liquid spilled out of my mouth. The man's eyes widened. I'm sure that I looked quite threatening, with my smouldering red-orange eyes and razor teeth bared.

I stalked toward him. I was the predator. He was my prey. I opened my mouth a little bit more as another breeze swept. The scent of his blood washed over me, calming me. I could do this. I would do this. He was rightfully mine. And I was hungry. I hadn't had a proper meal in nearly six months now. It was high time to change that.

He took a step backward. I cocked my head to the side and said in a low, husky voice, "There's no need to be afraid."

Venom was still leaking out of my mouth, but the man didn't seem to notice. He was now frozen in his place, his eyes wide with terror. That was the only sign of his fear. The rest of his face had slid into a mask of pure peace. His mouth was slightly hanging open, like he wasn't sure if he had just heard my voice or not.

The best roared happily. Yes, it would finally get its dinner and I would finally be satisfied instead of living in agony. I slinked toward him, my movements cat like and graceful. I was feet from him.

I was ready to strike when two strong arms wrapped around my mid-section. I shrieked in anger, the monster's voice erupting from me.

"He's mine! I want him!" I screamed, my voice inhuman and frightening as I struggled blindly.

"Bella," Jasper murmured. A wave of calm swept over me.

I twisted around in Emmett's strong arms and growled ferociously at him. "Stop it! He's mine! His blood is mine! I need him!" I snapped my razor-sharp teeth to prove my point.

Another wave of calm hit, only this one was much more forceful. I felt my body slacken in Emmett's big arms; I slumped slightly against his chest. The creature within was still bellowing fiercely, crying out at its lost meal.

Even though the calm had sunk in, I still fought against Emmett's hold. I tried to sink my teeth in his arm, but he gave my body a sudden jerk that jolted my entire teeth, that caused my mouth to snap shut.

"Bella," Emmett said into my ear. "Please."

I could tell that his hold was slipping. If I could just twist. . .

But before I could carry out my well thought out plan, Emmett walked into the room and Jasper shut the door behind him. The sound of the lock sliding into place was just a little bit ominous. The sound also seemed to send my mind into a furious frenzy and I scrambled around in Emmett's arms. His grasp remained firm, his arms locked around my waist; it was impossible for me to escape.

"Let me go," I growled at Emmett, thrashing.

"You need to calm down, Bella," Jasper said quietly from his spot at the window.

Yet another wave of calm was propelled my way. This rush was the strongest yet. The tense coils of my muscles started to relax. Logical thought returned to me. I inhaled deeply through my nose and was relieved to discovery that the human's scent no longer burned in my nasal cavity.

Still, I was hungry. The monster holed up in my chest was rearing its head in anger, busting against my chest in vain attempts to burst out and get what it wanted. But now that I had logical thought on my side once more, I was able to push it away. I could keep it at bay for as long as necessary. And I refused to lose it now, when Edward so close to me.

It was a huge mistake to have gone outside alone. How could I have been so stupid? So blind? I knew that there were humans around and that I would run the risk of encountering them. Hadn't that been the entire reason for my donning of a coat? I had not so subconsciously acknowledged the risk I was taking. God, if Edward had been there, none of this would've happened.

I cursed under my breath immediately. I couldn't blame this on Edward. I felt Emmett slacken his iron grip on me. The ground was steady beneath my feet and I hurried to sit down on the edge of the bed. Bowing my head, I pushed my hands through my hair and took several deep breaths. The fresh oxygen was burning away any traces of the monster, scorching it from the inside out. It was a most welcome feeling, but it reminded me once more of the beast I struggled to control, the very creature that Edward had warned me about, the one that he'd told me would overcome my senses.

And to think I thought I was better than that. That I had the same amount of self control that the rest of my family did. The thought alone was preposterous and I was very arrogant from thinking such.

"You're wrong," murmured Jasper.

I tilted my head upward so that I was able to see my blonde brother. He and Emmett were standing close together and, judging by the somewhat guilty look in Emmett's dark gold eyes, they had been talking about me while I sat, wallowing in my own self pity.

"About what? That I was arrogant to think I had enough self control?"

"Yes," he replied. Jasper sat down beside me on the bed. Emmett moved over toward the window.

I snorted in derisive laughter. "I think you're the one who is wrong. I was arrogant to think that I was experienced enough around humans to be able to resist the lure." I shook my head, a small chuckle escaping me. "I'm a fool, aren't I?"

"You're not a fool, Bella," Jasper said quickly. "You're trying your absolute hardest to adapt to our lifestyle, which is more than I can say for myself when I first joined the family. You know my story, you know about the life I led. When Alice and I joined Carlisle, I didn't want to adapt. I wanted to stick to the diet I had been raised on. I resisted until I could no longer handle the look in Alice's eyes. But you," he smiled softly at me. "You are trying so hard, and it's all for Edward. He knows how much you struggle to control the monster inside, but never does he doubt your dedication."

I could feel the familiar tingle building at the backs of my eyes. Tears that would never be split due to the venom that coursed through my veins. I returned the soft smile and leaned forward. As if he had read my mind, Jasper's arms came around me in a brotherly embrace. I hugged him fiercely, drawing from him the waves of courage and strength that I need to recover from my episode.

"Thank you," I whispered into his ear. I gave him a tight squeeze.

"All in a day's work," he joked as he pulled back from my embrace. His hand found the top of my head and he stroked from the roots of my hair to the very end, a fond smile on his face.

I smiled at him, gave him another short hug, and looked down at the ring on my finger. It glinted in the light streaming in from the open curtains. I sighed softly. A feeling of doubt began to knot in my stomach, but before it could consume me, an easy feeling swept over me. I glanced at Jasper and he was wearing a guilty grin.

"Bella," Emmett said suddenly, a few minutes later, a note of excitement in his voice.

"What?" I asked, curious.

"You still upset?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "A little. Why?"

"Because I think there's something that might cheer you up," he replied, grinning from ear to ear.

My sudden excitement combined with Emmett's must've been too much for Jasper to handle. A wide grin appeared on his face and he was on his feet in the blink of an eye. The motion was so fast that even I had a hard time detecting it. My eyes flew to his hands and they were shaking like mad.

I jumped to my feet, a wave of raw joy washing over me. I could hardly speak, but Emmett didn't seem it was necessary to wait until I responded.

"They're back."