BPOV
The first thing I notice as I'm waking up is the rumble of my truck beneath me and in my ears. I take inventory of my body. I feel fine. I can feel the leather seat underneath me, and my head is laying against something cold and hard, I assume it's the window. I'm trying to remember what happened. How did I get in my truck asleep? And more importantly who is driving?! With that thought, my eyes shoot open. I look over and see my angel driving. I had been laying my head on his shoulder. It all comes flooding back to me. I ran into him and immediately felt a connection to him. The connection and feelings were so strong that I passed out. I realize that I'm staring at him with my mouth open. What do I say? Hello. Who are you and why are you driving my truck? By the way you're really beautiful and I feel a strange but strong connection to you.
We pull in my driveway and his eyes flick over to me. He doesn't look surprised to see me awake. Maybe he felt me moving. We spend a few seconds just looking into each other's eyes, and feeling the connection and energy flowing between us.
"Hi" I squeak out. Wow Bella. Could you sound anymore pathetic?
"Hello" he replies. His voice is like honey and velvet.
"Who are you? How do you know where I live? What is going on?" I start throwing questions at him. I'm not afraid, which is odd. He is a stranger after all.
"My name is Edward Cullen. I believe you know my sister Alice. And as far as my knowing where you live, you're the police chief's daughter in a small town, everyone knows where you live." He chuckles and then looks quite nervous. "I will explain everything to you, but I would like to go inside first. If that is okay with you. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
"Okay sure let's go inside. I'm not uncomfortable or afraid. I'm Bella by the way. Bella Swan." I ramble out.
"Well it's nice to meet you officially beautiful Bella" he says and I blush.
Before I know it he's out of the truck and opening my door for me. I thank him as my blush deepens. He just chuckles and lets me lead the way into my house. I grab the key from the eves and open the door.
I lead him into the living room. I have a feeling that I'm going to want to be comfortable for this conversation. He sits on the opposite end of the couch from me which I find odd. Can't he feel the connection we have? Am I the only one? If he doesn't feel it, why is he here?
"What are you thinking so hard about beautiful?" he asks bringing me out of my paranoid musings.
"Nothing important." I mumble feeling my face get hot.
"Oh I highly doubt that, but okay" he replies. "I really don't know where to start. Would you like to ask me questions about what occurred at the school? Or would you just like me to start at the beginning and tell you everything?"
"I think that I would like you to just start from the beginning and tell me everything. I'll stop you if I have questions." I tell him hoping to alleviate some of his fears. I don't like seeing him afraid. What is happening? He is a stranger, Bella, I shouldn't care how he's feeling.
"Okay well I think the first thing you need to know is that I'm not human. I was at one time, but I'm not anymore. I am a… vampire." He says hesitantly. I think he is afraid that I am going to be scared of him. Doesn't he know that I could never be afraid of him?
"Edward I can see that you are afraid of my reaction and there's no reason to be. When I felt such a deep feelings for you the first time I saw you, I knew that you weren't human. I'm not afraid of you. I know I should be, but I can feel that you are a good person. I am a little shocked of course but not scared. Don't be afraid of my reaction. Now please go on." I reassure him as I move closer to him and put my hand over his. His skin is so soft, like velvet; well velvet that has been in the freezer. He closes his eyes for a second, a sweet smile on his face before looking into my eyes and speaking again.
"You are truly extraordinary my Bella. Thank you. So I am a vampire" he continues "but my family and I are different from others of our kind. We only drink the blood of animals, not humans. We don't want to be monsters and we don't use what we are as an excuse to kill innocent people. One important aspect that you need to know about vampires is that we mate for life. When we meet our mate, it's an instant connection. You might compare it to humans love at first sight only it's so much more. When we see our mates we immediately feel connected to them. We are instantly comfortable around each other. There is also a deep attraction that goes along with the mating connection and it's deeper than any human lust."
"So I am your mate? Is that what I felt in my chest?"
"You could feel that?"
"Yes it felt like my heart was being pulled out and given to you. It started out as a pleasant feeling but was soon really uncomfortable and overwhelming."
He puts his hand on my cheek running his thumb softly against my skin. I can't help but nuzzle into his hand.
"I'm sorry you were in pain. Yes that is what that was. We are mates. Our hearts, souls, and very beings are connected. I think that it was so overwhelming for you because you are human. As a vampire it is extremely intense but it is a pleasurable feeling; like I had a deep hole inside myself and it is finally being filled. I am finally a whole person. You complete me, Bella. We are mates, forever, if you'll have me."
"Of course Edward! This connection isn't just one way. I feel for you just how you feel for me. My brain is telling me how odd this is and how I should be reacting, but my heart is telling me to trust you. I belong with you Edward. I can feel it. There's no question."
"That is wonderful to hear Bella. I didn't know how the mating would effect you because you are human. I have never seen this before. The only mating I have seen has been between two vampires or vampires and dying humans."
"So what now?" I ask.
"Now we get to know each other just like any other couple. Tell me everything about you." He says eagerly
I laugh. "I don't think I can tell you everything but I can tell you the basics. My full name is Isabella Marie Swan. I am 17 years old. My birthday is in September. I lived with my mom until I was 13 and I moved to Forks when she passed away suddenly." I look down tears forming in my eyes. No matter how long it's been it still hurts to think about that night. Edward puts his arm around me and pulls me into his chest.
"Don't push yourself love. I don't want you to be upset. You can tell me when you're ready."
I nod. "Thank you Edward. I will tell you about that night eventually but not now. Anyway I have lived with my dad since then. And that's really it. What about you? Tell me about your life."
"Well first of all I doubt that that is 'really it' of your life, but I will ask more questions later. I was born in 1901 in Chicago. When I was 17 my family and I got Spanish influenza. My parents died and I was alone and dying too. Carlisle was my doctor and instead of letting me die, he saved me. He turned me into a vampire in 1918. It was just the two of us for a long time until Carlisle changed his wife and mate Esme. Later he changed Rosalie and Emmett. Finally Alice and Jasper came into our family. Alice had seen us and knew they would be a part of our family."
"What do you mean Alice saw you?" I interrupt him.
"Some vampires have gifts. Carlisle believes that whatever talent you had when you were human transfers over when you become a vampire and it becomes even stronger. Alice must have been precognitive when she was human because now she can see the future. She sees what a person's decision will lead them to. The future is all dependent on what choices people make. Jasper and I also have gifts. Jasper can feel and influence peoples emotions, and I can read minds; well every mind except for yours."
"You can read everyone's mind?" I ask and he nods. "Wow that sounds exhausting and kind of horrible."
Edward barks out a laugh.
"Yes I guess it is. You're the first person that has ever had that judgement. Most people think it is a good thing, but really it isn't. People really can be vial creatures. And I can never shut it off or turn it down. All day everyday I have voices in my head. It can be a nightmare. But around you, its completely quiet. Its extremely refreshing." I smile.
"Well I'm glad that I can be kind of a safe space for you"
"In more ways than one my Bella."
We smile at each other and I snuggle back into his chest.