CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

THE CHANGELING

ETIENNE LUCIER:

When Leah opened her eyes I gasped out loud in joyful surprise. Joy because she had been returned to me and surprise because her dark eyes which I loved were now scarlet red! I knew this would happen but I still got a shock as she gazed up at me for the first time as a vampire. I had been using my mind control on her whilst she was unconscious, all the while never knowing if it was working or not. I didn't know how she would react to the changes. Bella told me she had been violent and out of control after her change. I really didn't want Leah to be like that. And what if she hated me? I had hated my maker with a passion. I still did even though she was no more. I watched Leah's face carefully to see what her first reaction would be. It was as if time had stood still, but in reality it was only a few seconds. She gazed directly into my eyes and in her beautiful voice, which now had musical undertones, she uttered her first words as a vampire. " Where is my silver bracelet Etienne? The gorgeous thin one with the roses? You gave me that for my sixteenth birthday! That was the night we first kissed. I had bruises on my arms where you held me tight. I didn't tell you because I was scared I would never get to kiss those lips again and I was already so in love with you I could hardly breathe!" she smiled up at me, her face so perfect and beautiful. She always was beautiful of course but now she shone.

I was dumbstruck by her words, by her face, by this momentous occasion. After removing the pesky moonstone from around her neck, all I had suggested to her was to remember how much I loved her and how many special times and memories we had shared together. I didn't expect her to utter that sentence as her first words though! But oh how delightfully Leah! " I feel so strange Etienne, did I die and go to heaven? You sure look like an angel to me" she said admiringly, her red eyes gazing deeply into mine. I traced my finger delicately down her cheek. Her skin was cold like marble. Cold like mine. "Leah, I adore you my love. Listen carefully to me now darling." I quietly spoke. She nodded but didn't speak. " You were going to die Leah. Do you remember what happened in the clearing? Sam hurt you badly, you were bleeding to death, my love. " I said gently as my fingers ran through her long hair, which was now thicker and silkier than ever. She gazed up at me mesmerised, her eyes never leaving mine. "Are you listening to me Leah?" I asked with a smile. "You are so beautiful, Etienne. I knew you were, but tonight you are so so amazing." she whispered in awe. I forgot how it was to have new vampire eyes and I sighed in exasperation. "Leah! You can admire me soon, my love! For now please let me talk to you!" I demanded. She smiled up at me with a smile so dazzling, it threw me for a second. Now I was mesmerised! I must try to concentrate.

"Leah, I brought you here to my house in Vancouver because you begged me to help you as you lay bleeding in the clearing. I knew I had to choose; lose you or change you. Well, this isn't the other side my love. You are real, but you are now like me. You are a vampire Leah, you are Immortal now." I said nervously awaiting her reaction. Her red eyes widened with shock, surprise and dare I hope a little delight? She smiled. Suddenly she was above me, her strong arms pinning me down. I gasped in shock at her speed and strength. She looked magnificently powerful and frightening in her majestic position. Her long dark hair waved around her shoulder's, her skin shone and her eyes glittered. I found myself hopelessly and completely under her spell. Like a fly caught in the spider's web. "Thank you Etienne. You saved me. You changed me. Now we will be together forever. It was my secret wish, my only dream. Now it is real and I am happy my love so happy!" she gushed, her face radiantly beautiful like a goddess of the night.

I smiled up at her, still feeling slightly vulnerable as I was used to being the strong one. "Leah, I wished to be with you always too. I wouldn't have chosen these circumstances, but I am pleased everything went well and you are okay. I did use my mind control on you, my love but only because I did not want you to suffer the newborn rage and anger!" I stated. Leah must have reached over to the small table nearest to us and quickly placed the moonstone around her neck. Her movement was so rapid I actually only noticed when I saw the shimmering of the stone in the moonlight through my window.

"No Leah!" I shrieked in horror. She smiled at me, then she was gone.

I leapt to my feet in a flash to find her by the window, looking out into the bright night.

"Leah?" I softly questioned. She turned around and smiled at me, beckoning me closer. I did as she commanded even though I had a flash of fear and apprehension ride through my body as I approached her. Newborns were fast. Newborns were strong. Newborns did not care. However I smiled in surprise as her pale arms wound themselves around my neck and her cool lips found mine in a kiss so thrilling and intoxicating. It was like our first kiss all over again. Her cool lips transferred little electric shocks all over my body. I sighed against her mouth as she pulled me closer. Our kisses became deeper and more passionate. She pressed herself against me frantically. I gasped loudly as the nearness of her made my body shake with lustful desire. I did not have to think about hurting her, I did not need to rein in my emotions. Now, for the first time we could do as we wished. It was the best feeling ever. I was drunk on her scent, her taste, her very essence. Our hands roamed over each other passionately. Our lips hungrily devoured each other with fervent desire. "I love you Etienne!" she breathed against my mouth. "I love you too Leah!" I replied, my passion clouding my mind. I forgot about the moonstone. I forgot about her being a newborn. All I could think about was the sensual and emotional overload of my senses. We fell to the floor in passionate bliss, our only thought to possess and overcome the other.

So far, in my long long long life, this was the best night I had spent...ever.