XIV

I don't understand what's going on.

My body feels heavy. It reminds me of when I've gone to the dentist and have been given Novocain. I can feel general sensations but no real feeling. I think that I'm still in the meadow with Edward. It feels as if though he's got me cradled in his arms. Every time Edward has hugged me or touched my hands or face he's always felt slightly cold. And my back feels cool like it's resting against him.

I can still hear Edward humming to me softly. "I'll keep you safe Bella. I promise" Edward keeps repeating to me. His voice sounds as if though it's coming from far away. I feel his chilly hands brush against my face soothingly.

Dreaming. I must be dreaming.

I begin to drift off again but I hear Edward's humming stop. "What are you doing here dog?" I hear Edward ask angrily.

"Calm down. I'm just making sure Bells is really okay" I hear a deep male voice respond. This voice sounds familiar but I'm too tired to try and place it. Plus I'm comfortable and if this is just a dream I shouldn't worry about anything.

Suddenly I hear more voices join in.

"Of course she's alright. I know what I'm doing." Another familiar voice chimes in. But this voice is female and she sounds indignant.

"Everyone needs to relax." This voice I recognize immediately; it's Alice, "I've told all of you that the future is clear. Bella will be one of us in three days."

"Yes. She was always meant to be one of you. I knew she was special. That's why when she moved back to Forks I contacted the Quileutes and had them look for you." The first female voice says.

I have no idea what any of them are talking about. I'd much rather go back into my deep sleep.

"And you're sure she won't feel pain?" the deep voice asks worriedly. This voice sounds much closer than it did before.

"Don't touch her!"

"Stop!"

"Hey!"

I hear Edward, Alice, and the other female voice yell as something very warm touches my hand. I feel my arm being lifted and then dropped suddenly. I hear it hit the ground but it doesn't cause any pain.

"Sure, sure. I'll back off. I came to make sure you kept your end of the bargain. Someone from the tribe has to be here when you bite her. I'm supposed to make sure you only bite her and not drink from her and then I can leave and report back to the tribe. We'll also need to see her in three days"

"We all know our parts of the treaty." Edward growls out. I sense Edward moving me. He's shifting us so that he's got me sitting across his lap. He strokes my face and hair as he begins to hum the lullaby again. His voice is so close. It's right by my ear.

"Edward, it has to be done soon. We've wasted enough time" Alice says quietly.

"I love you, Bella. I promise I'll keep you safe. I won't leave your side." Edward reassures me softly.

I feel him caress my neck and move my hair away from my face. Then I feel Edward's cold lips against my neck. I feel pressure against my neck. When he pulls back I feel him lift my hand and feel him do whatever he did to my neck to each of my wrists. It feels a like a little pinch.

A deep warmth enters my body through my neck and wrists before I enter the darkness again.

A/N: We're almost to the end. Any guesses for what happens next?