A/N: Sorry it has taken so long to update! There has been a lot going on personally, but now I can finally write again! On a positive note, A Bright New Future has been nominated for an Energize WIP Award for Most Promising Crossover Fanfiction! Thank you to the person or persons that nominated me! Voting begins July 13th until July 20th at .com if you would like to vote. Thank you every one! Here's the next chapter!

I woke to a gentle shaking, curled up next to Eric; I'm not sure if it was my imagination or if I felt lips on me.

"Bella," I heard

I opened my eyes and smiled, which he answered. "Good morning," I said sleepily.

He chuckled. "Good morning, my Bella. You need to get ready now if you're going to make it to Bon Temps in time."

I nodded. "Okay." I leaned over and kissed him before I sat up. Just then, I remembered what I told Sookie's boss, and gasped before looking over at Eric guiltily. "I forgot; I'm sorry."

"What?"

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks and looked down. "I forgot that I agreed to start working for Sam Merlotte tomorrow; that was before I came to Fangtasia."

His eyebrow rose. "Sam Merlotte?"

The look on his face and the tone of voice pointed to that being a bad thing. I nodded. "He owns Merlotte's Bar and Grill. It would be as a waitress," I told him as clarification.

His lips tightened, as did his jaw and eyes. His expression became hard and his eyes became unbreakable blue steel. "No."

That surprised me. "Why?"

His answer was immediate. "I don't trust the shifter. Besides, I was hoping you would entertain the crowd at Fangtasia with me; after about a week that is."

"After about a week?" He nodded. "Why?"

He smirked and kissed me on the throat. "I'll let you guess." My body quickly responded and I blushed since I knew he could tell. I quickly began what I needed to, brushing my teeth, fixing my hair, getting dressed, and making sure I had everything I needed. Eric walked me to the kitchen and I found some fruit, eggs, and bacon. He watched me while I cooked the items and ate.

"You know, for someone who doesn't eat, you have a lot of food here," I commented.

He smiled. "I had it all brought in for you so you would have something to eat when you are here. Just let me know what you like and don't like so I can have them here for you."

I smiled back. "Thank you." I leaned over and gave him a kiss. I put my dishes in the sink and grabbed my purse, packed with all I needed, before waiting in the living room for the man Eric had coming to get me. All the while, he was giving me kisses and saying things to encourage me and help me do better. When the man arrived, Eric kissed me on my way out, but I didn't miss the look Eric gave the man that clearly stated harm would come to him if anything happened. I mentally sighed, but understood he wanted to keep me safe. The door closed behind us and I slid into the front seat of the car on the passenger's side as the man climbed in the driver's side.

He started the ignition. "Bon Temps High School is the first destination, correct?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

He put the car in gear and started the drive. "I'm Bobby Burnham."

"Bella Swan," I replied.

"You're younger than I thought you would be," he commented as he pulled onto the main road after going through the metal gates and security system. "Usually Eric is attracted to women with blonde hair and a little older than you."

I didn't know what to say to that other than, "True love doesn't know age or physical appearance."

He looked at me before turning back to the road. It was a long, silent drive to Bon Temps, and I was glad when we arrived. He stopped in front of the pathway to the office in front of the first building. After confirming the time to come back, he pulled away to do whatever Eric bade him. Personally, I don't particularly like this guy so far.

It was only a little after eight o'clock in the morning and it was already warm and humid. I was glad, and happy to be wearing shorts and a tank top instead of rain boots and parka. I walked into the doors, then inside the office as I made my way to the secretary. She looked up and smiled.

"Isabella Swan, correct?" she quickly stood after grabbing a few papers, not even waiting for confirmation.

"Yes."

"This way," she told me.

I followed her down the hallway, classrooms on both sides, filled with students starting the day. She led me to the library at the end of the hall, where a small testing area had been set up for me. A man walked over to us, and the secretary introduced him as Mr. Fox, and the teacher would be the one giving me the test. The secretary left and the teacher led me to the table in the back he had prepared. He gave me a calculator and made sure I knew how to use it. I pulled out my pencils and extra eraser before setting my purse on the floor. I was given scrap paper as well, to work out anything I needed, and reference sheets like the Periodic Table of Elements before receiving my test.

There were four sections, English, history, science, and mathematics. English and history were really easy for me, and I had no problem with those. Science I had to think through the questions some. Math, though, took me the longest and was certainly the hardest; it had never been my favorite subject.

I did get to have a break in the middle, which I liked. Eric had made sure I had some water and snacks in my purse in case. I would have to give him a kiss later.

After everything was finished and handed in, I was able to leave. Waiting in front of the school, seemingly patient, was Bobby. When he saw me, he sat up and put his book down before putting his seat belt back on. I got in the front seat.

"We're going to your aunt's house off Hummingbird Road, correct?" he verified.

"Yes. Do you know how to get there?" I asked. I wasn't sure if Eric gave him directions.

"Yeah, I looked it up." I nodded and he pulled out.

He drove directly to the house, again in silence. When we arrived, he stopped the car. I thanked him for doing this, which he waved off, then started towards the house. He left shortly after I reached the porch.

I walked into the house to find Adele in the kitchen, cooking.

"Hello, Bella! Are you hungry? I'm making lunch," she greeted me vibrantly with a bright smile full of joy.

"Thank you," I replied. I walked over and gave her a hug, which she happily returned.

"Are you the only one here?" I was secretly hoping Sookie wasn't here.

"Jason usually stops by for lunch, even when he works. He should be here any minute. Sookie should be at work already. How did your test go, darling?"

The door opened, Jason yelling "Gran?" before walking heavily through the house on wooden floors with boots on. He turned and smiled when he saw me. "Hey, Bella. How are ya?"

I smiled back since his smile was infectious. "I'm great. I took the test this morning. I think I did really well."

"Good! Congratulations!" He hugged me and I squeezed back.

"Yes, congratulations, Bella!" Adele cheered.

"Thanks, both of you." I blushed, which triggered Jason's laugh.

He put his hand up to tickle my cheeks, which made me start laughing since I was extremely ticklish. "Looks like Bella blushes easy." His face donned a smirk that could actually match some of Eric's, which scared me.

Adele turned and looked at him. "Jason, leave Bella alone. There's no need to cause her any more embarrassment. She's been through enough, more than you know."

Jason sobered up immediately. "What happened?"

Adele sighed before looking at me. "Is it alright?" I nodded. "Last night, Sookie saw Bella at Fangtasia with Eric and got upset. When Bella arrived back, Sookie and Mr. Compton started to harass Eric and Bella. It nearly became a fight in the living room. Eric believes Sookie is being manipulated by Bill."

Jason was silent for a moment before the tirade came. "That mother fucker! I should go and stake that bastard! And Sookie… she may be my sister, but there ain't no reason to treat any part of your family like that."

"Jason, I don't want to hear those words," Adele reprimanded him. "As for Sookie, she's being manipulated into being that way."

He took on a thoughtful look. "Do you think I could find him asleep during the day so I can stake him?"

Quite sure I knew he was imagining ways to kill and torture Bill, I informed him, "Not likely. They keep themselves well hidden during the day. I'm not even sure he would tell Sookie about where he stays."

He looked a little disappointed, but was likely still imagining ways to kill him.

"Alright, enough talk of killing. Lunch is ready," Adele announced.

She put everything on the table she prepared: the tossed salad with a few different dressings, roasted chicken with gravy, potatoes, carrots, and peas. Jason happily ate his plate, enjoying it by the look on his face. Adele looked happy too. I was feeling some happy, some sad, and some hesitant at the conversation that would take place in Merlotte's. The food was delicious though. It was nice to sit and eat and make idle talk with relatives. It seemed Bon Temps was quite the gossiping town, worse than Forks even. Adele seemed to know everything.

After we were finished eating lunch, Adele pulled out a pecan pie. Jason said she was locally famous for them. After trying it, I could see why. It was incredible! I would certainly be asking for the recipe, along with a few others. Soon after, Jason left to return to work and I helped Adele with the dishes.

She decided to help me pack everything I would take with me to live with Eric. We left the bedding and curtains, in case I came back and spent the night and because Adele liked them as it gave the room a fresh, new look. She was now considering some changes to other parts of the house.

The only thing left to do now was to tell Sam Merlotte that I couldn't work for him. I told Adele I would be back soon and climbed into the car. Making my way towards the bar, I went over the different ways to tell Sam nicely instead of how Eric put it. I pulled into a spot in the front parking lot and nervously made my way inside. I hoped I wouldn't see Sookie, but knew I probably would, and I was right. Shortly after I came in, as it wasn't busy, she immediately started over without seeing who it was to seat the possible new customer.

She looked up and saw it was me. She looked surprised for a moment but covered it well. "Bella, are you here to eat?"

I guess she forgot. "No. Sam said he wanted me to start today after school, but since I took a test to graduate early today, school ended early for me."

Comprehension lit up her eyes. "Follow me; I'll lead you to Sam's office."

I nodded. "Thanks."

She turned and led me to the back, showing me where things were along the way. She knocked on a wooden door that had a sign reading 'Private' and from inside came the voice of the owner welcoming us in.

"Sam, Bella's here," Sookie announced.

He looked up from the paperwork he was doing and smiled. "Thanks, Sook. Bella, come in."

Sookie nodded, I thanked her, and she smiled in return before bouncing back to the front of the bar to serve tables. I quickly observed the room. His desk was filled with paperwork and a computer, there were some filing cabinets to the side, some artwork on the walls, an extra few chairs, a plant on one of the filing cabinets (as though there wasn't enough surrounding the area), a table with a lamp, a fireplace with a mantle, some bar supplies, and a few other things scattered around the office.

"Bella, I'm surprised to see you here this early. I figured it would be at least 3:30 before you came." He offered me to sit down, and I did.

"Well, I took a test to see if I can graduate early, so if my phone rings, that's likely the school calling to tell me if I passed or not," I told him.

He smiled. "Congratulations, Bella. Was this your idea?"

I blushed. "Not exactly." I paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "How much do you know about mating bonds?" I asked lowly.

He looked shocked. "As in mating bonds that form with a vampire and their mate?" In nodded. "Well, they're rare, and there isn't anything the vampire wouldn't do for their mate. Why are you asking?"

I took another breath. "Well, the other day when I left here, I went to Shreveport to get some things ready, like for the room I was staying in and school supplies. Afterwards, I stopped at this place that looked interesting that I dreamed about called Fangtasia. There, I met my vampire mate."

He sat back in shock. "You're mated to a vampire?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Wow." He looked thoughtful for a minute. "I'm guessing that means you won't be able to work for me then?"

I shook my head regretfully. "Sorry, but I'm not even staying in Bon Temps."

He nodded understandingly. Just then, the phone rang. I pulled out my cell phone and answered. "Hello?"

"Isabella Swan?" I recognized the voice of the teacher that gave me the test.

"Speaking," I replied.

"This is Mr. Fox from Bon Temps High School. I am calling to inform you of your test results. You passed with a grade of 96%. Congratulations, Ms. Swan. A letter informing you what you will need to do for graduation will be sent to the address we have on file for you when the time comes."

My smile grew as I listened. "Thank you very much."

"You're welcome. Have a nice day."

"You too," I said.

We hung up the phone then and I sat there for a minute letting the fact I graduated early with that high of a grade make its way into my brain.

"I'm guessing you passed?" A voice asked.

My surroundings became aware around me and I realized it was Sam. "Yeah, with an A. They'll send me information to graduate later."

He smiled. "Congratulations, Bella."

"Thank you. It was my mate's idea. He paid for the test before I even knew about it." This made both of us chuckle. "Do you need any help today, since you were expecting me to be able to work?"

He thought. "If you wouldn't mind a few hours. I'll pay you for your time. The other girls will be glad for the help."

I nodded. "Okay. My mate also said what you were." I saw him stiffen. "Don't worry. I'll keep your secret safe."

He relaxed and nodded. "Thank you."

I smiled at him. He stood up and walked over to where a bag was set. He pulled out one of the t-shirts that had the Merlotte's logo on the chest.

"You may want to change into this, just in case. That way you don't ruin your shirt if you happen to have an accident." He remembered me saying I was clumsy likely.

I nodded. "Thanks."

"You can change in the bathroom and you can keep your purse in the drawer like everyone does. It'll be safe there."

He opened the drawer and I put my purse in before I went to change in the bathroom. It said Does on the door and Bucks on the other. After putting on the Merlotte's shirt, I returned to the office and put my shirt in the clear bag the other came in. Sookie was in there waiting.

"Sookie's gonna show you what to do while you're here today."

I nodded and Sookie and I left the office.

"I'm just curious, do you know if you passed your test yet?" Sookie started.

I nodded. "They called me a few minutes ago. I got an A." I smiled again.

She smiled too. "Congratulations, Bella. I'm happy for you." She hesitated. "About last night, I'm not sure what came over me. I'm really sorry."

I smiled, small and a little sad. "It's okay. As for what came over you, that would be Bill Compton. You can think clearly and know what you want to feel while he's asleep for the day, but around him, you change some. Last night, Eric got so mad that it overflowed from him to me. Vampires can change your emotions. Maybe you should try not taking any more of Bill's blood for a while and see if you feel more yourself."

She thought about it. "I'll think about it. If something changes, then I'll figure out what to do next. If nothing does, then maybe I'm starting to change but I don't completely feel myself. If he is doing something, do you think Eric might help?"

I thought. "Maybe, if I asked him to help you he would be more likely. Maybe you should try none of his blood for a few weeks, just in case it takes that long."

She smiled. "Yeah, I think I will. Thanks, Bella."

We hugged each other before she started showing me how to write a ticket, how to take an order, where each table was and the number, and everything else I would need to know. I watched her a couple of times before she let me do it. After I got it right, she let me try on my own. When I got the hang of everything, including serving, I worked on my own for the few hours I would be there.

When the shift was over, I got to keep the tips I made, plus Sam would send me a check to Sookie's address for today. I was happy and I was able to help. I also managed not to drop anything or spill anything.

I changed back into my shirt and grabbed my purse. Sam thanked me for working today, and wished me luck. I thanked him and said goodbye and left.

On my way home, I briefly wondered what Eric would think of what I did today, and shuddered at the look he would likely give. Unfortunately, it was 6:55 by now, and Eric would be here any minute. I wouldn't have time to shower, maybe not even change. I made it to the Stackhouse residence and got out of the car. As soon as I was on the porch, I heard a thud behind me. I turned and standing there was Eric.

I felt a smile light up my face and rushed towards him. He caught me when I started to fall and whisked me into his arms. We kissed each other passionately.

"I have everything ready; you'll just have to help put it in the car," I told him. He nodded. "I had such a good day today. I took the test, Sookie apologized and is starting to not trust Bill since she can think clearly while he's asleep and isn't going to take any of his blood for a few weeks to see if he really is manipulating her, and now you're here."

I smiled and kissed him again. He smiled back. "How well did you do on the test?"

I grinned proudly and answered, "I got a 96 out of 100."

He smiled. "Congratulations, my Bella. I told you that you are smart. I'm very proud of you. You deserve more than the world." He kissed my mouth before putting me down.

He encircled me in his arms and put his chin on top of my head then became absolutely still. That worried me. He pulled back and looked at my face, and the look in his eyes was a cold fire that was contained but wanting to break free and nearly promised violence. Unfortunately, I figured this was at least partially directed at me.

"Bella, why the hell do you smell like the shifter?"