Finally, another chapter. You'll be glad to know that I actually have a plan as to how 'From the Ashes' is going to end. So, updates should come a lot more often now:D Also, while your waiting three months for me to update, why don't you read Untitled(Why Doesn't She Have Title?!?) by scorpio17910. It's Awesome!! PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, exempt for the Venice coven:P

Chapter 18: Déjà vu

Bella's POV / Present

I stared in disbelief at the vampire in front of me. He finished his story and sat silently awaiting my reply. I think I might have heard Helena airdropping outside the door. "Nathan, I…" I really was quite speechless. "I had no idea-I…"

"It's okay, Bella. How where you meant to know. Hehe" His laugh was awkward. "I really shouldn't have kept secrets from my own coven; even a newborn…he…"

"So, you're Sam Uley's brother?"

"Yup" He agreed.

"And you…your mate was Rebecca Black?" He nodded. "Jacob's sister?" He sighed.

"And you where a wolf, you nearly lost control and you jumped off a cliff?"

"Uuh" Nathan was staring down at his shoes.

My voice cracked "To save her" It wasn't a question, because I knew it was the truth. I'd also guessed that Elishia and Roxie must have been the vampires to trigger the wolf gene. I wondered if he blames them for his sacrifice? It didn't seem possible, considering they where so close now. But how am I to know how much things could have differed over his eight and half years of vampirism. "Wow" I looked up from the ground to se him smirking gingerly at me. "What?"

"I'm surprised you haven't asked yet"

"Asked what?" I was tired of riddles.

"Uhhhh let's see…" He mused, scratching his neck. "How old am I?"

"Well, you look, like…..twenty-five, I guess" HE grinned widely. "Am I even close?"

"I've been immortal for just over eight years now. Becky's twenty-two"

I tried to make sense, counting in my head.

"That can't be right. If you where changed in 1999, Becca would have been fourteen…You can't have been twenty-five then. That's too old."

"And not to mention paedophilic" He boomed.

"Um, with lack of a better phrase: What The Heck?!"

He cleared his throat before explaining. "It's a wolf thing, I guess. I was[He searched for the right word] premature in changing forms. Yeah I guess you could say that. I was so angry, I changed before the growth spurt started-or before I became suspiciously older….looking. So, when I became a vampire I grew eleven years in three days" It was all so much to take in. "I'm sorry Bella. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I'm sorry I kept it a secret. It's just 'cous…well. It's…. confusing. It may not seem like it, but I-I feel for you Bella. And. For what it's worth,

I love you"

I wrapped my cold arms around his chest and lay my head on his un-beating heart.

"I know Nathan. In fact, I think I've known for a while. When Edward [his name no longer sent aches down my spine] left me, he left me with a gaping hole in the centre of my chest. But when I'm with you…." I sighed in content.

"It's healed?" He smiled hopefully.

"No" I looked up into his eyes. " It's like it was never there to begin with." He brushed a hand through my hair. "But… as much as I'm going to kick myself for saying this… I still love Edward. I'm scared that…if I ever love someone as much as I love him, Ill just be hurt again" I felt his full lips touch my forehead.

"Bella," He whispered in a soft, breathless tone. "I would never hurt you. Not ever."

"AWWW CHE È REALMENTE DOLCE!!" Helena squealed from the open door. Nathan glared at her and Berto, who stood with his face in his palm.

"We're going hunting." He mumbled. "I take it you don't really won't to come?"

We shook our heads. Roxie danced through the entrance.

She sang "Annnnnnnd NATHAN! You don't have to give we the mental finger you know" Nathan gave her the middle finger.

"Now that's just rude" Elishia was quick to pull them back and slam the door.