Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with Twilight, sadly. Anything unfamiliar is mine.
I shifted my weight, glancing nervously around the slightly crowded street.
The hot dog vendor across the street was still shouting to draw the attention of customers. The lady walking her dog was steadily making her way toward the bookstore a few doors to my right.
Everything was normal.
This was stupid. What if he didn't come? What if he wasn't who I thought he was? Was this really a good idea, after the Edward incident?
A familiar head popped out of a doorway to my left.
"Bells, you alright?" Jake asked, dark eyes concerned. "We can call this whole thing off and go home, if you want."
I shook my head, summoning a small smile to reassure him.
I couldn't call it quits now. If I went home, I would miss the chance to find the answers I've been looking for. I may not get another chance at this.
Ever.
"You can change your mind at any time and we're gone." He promised, ducking back into the coffee shop.
I fought the urge to start pacing or tapping my foot in impatience.
"You must be Bella." A smooth, musical and undoubtedly male voice murmured.
I jumped, turning and immediately blushed.
Nahuel was definitely not dressed for cooler weather. His brown chest was bare except for his different sized necklaces, his pants simple faded blue jeans. He completed his ensemble with sandals.
His dark eyes-human in their teak black color, almost the same shade as his long black hair.
He was beautiful.
"Y-yes." I cleared my throat. "Yes, I am."
"Why have you called me here? Your message was more vague than I would like." He pressed in an accented voice.
"Not here." I gestured to my left. "There's an abandoned shoe factory not far from here. It's a block or so down."
I began to lead the way, confident that both Nahuel and Jake would follow.
"What is that smell?" The hybrid hissed quietly.
I winced, feeling a bit guilty for the minor not quite deception I was participating in. I never mentioned any friends or tails during our talk in my message.
"Oh. Well, um, don't take this the wrong way . . .but I asked a friend to come with me." I admitted, lamely.
Silence.
I hunched my shoulders, expecting a variety of reactions.
"You are smart to not immediately trust a stranger who has the means to kill you. I do not intend you harm, but I expect you require proof." He responded, amused.
"Wait outside, Jake. Keep out of sight and watch for intruders, please." I whispered, yanking open the metal door.
I didn't get an answer, but I could trust he would do as I asked.
"I wanted to ask you a few questions, to complete my research." I offered honestly, once we were safely inside the factory.
On a notepad I brought for this occasion, I wrote the rest of my response.
Before I make a very important decision.
I handed the notepad over to him.
Nahuel raised a dark eyebrow and took up the pen while simultaneously answering my verbal statement. "Alright."
What sort of research, if I may ask?
I nodded.
"How old are you?" I decided to start simple.
All I can find out about you and others like you, if they exist. How were you conceived?
"I recently celebrated my one hundred and fiftieth birthday."
I believe the traditional way. My mother did not survive my birth due to complications and no appropriate medical help available.
"That's incredible. Which tribe does your family belong to?"
I'm sorry to hear that. How fast did you grow?
"Mapuche, in South America." Nahuel replied with a small nod of thanks to my written apology.
At the rate all human children grow, according to my aunt Hulien. I stopped physically aging when I reached the age of twenty.
Relief settled in my chest.
"Have you been able to locate your father or anyone else like you?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Yes. He created three others." His tone changed, expression hardening.
"I'm sorry. I can see that is a sensitive subject." I murmured sincerely.
Have any gifts presented themselves? Any abilities different than purely venom based vampires?
I was aware how ridiculous that sounded, even as I handed the notepad over.
"You could not have known." He responded smoothly.
Super senses, speed, and strength to a lesser extent. My heart beat is faster than a mortals, but it beats. My skin shows a faint illumination, but I can still blend in with humans quite well. My skin is as hard as a vampires, my bones are nearly unbreakable.
"I am still sorry to hear that." I offered, smiling in reassurance.
Are you able to initiate the change in humans?
I am able to convert mortals to immortals, however my half sisters cannot. We are unsure whether it is genetic or gender based.
I blinked, impressed and intrigued. "What changes over the years most amazed or inspired you?"
Wow, not too much different then, with a few improvements to help efficiently assimilate if you wanted to.
"The development of technology was interesting. The improvements on farming and hunting were greatly appreciated." He commented, amused.
Yes, but I am content with my life as it is. I feel no desire to assimilate into the mortal world other than to eat the wicked and destructive.
Another human drinker, then.
That's understandable.
"Nothing else?"
Nahuel shook his head, returning the pad and pen. "Nothing I see as significant enough to note."
"Could I see a brief demonstration of your speed?" I asked, slightly hopeful.
In answer, he disappeared in a blur of white. I waited, using the chance to safely tuck away the notepad in my purse.
He returned as suddenly as he left, holding a single sunflower. "For you, miss Bella."
I accepted it with a smile.
"Thank you for your time. I have everything I needed." I told him honestly.
We went our separate ways, my mind buzzing with the plethora of new information.