Author's Note: Look at this feedback! You don't know how grateful I am to you for taking the time out to review. I really appreciate your advice. I'm glad this story is entertaining you so far. Sorry for the wait. As always, happy reading!
Tempting the Lion
"Eternity Lost"
"Bella, wake up," Emmett murmured into my ear. I opened my eyes wearily, flinching at my throbbing neck. My arms were tightly wound around Emmett's neck and we were standing in front of my front door. I had fallen asleep in this amount of pain? The sky had darkened considerably. Another bout of rain was approaching.
"You passed out," Alice said quietly, smoothing my hair away from my forehead, "…and you're burning up. Come on, Emmett, we have to get her inside."
"Is the – the door, it's…" I answered hoarsely. I tried to tell them that the door was open. I didn't lock it when I was going out. I figured if a robber came in, he would leave empty-handed; there wasn't anything worth stealing. Alice opened the door easily, stepping aside to let Emmett and I in.
"Where should I put her?" Emmett was asking. Everything was becoming hazy again. My head began to droop against Emmett's chest and I tugged on his shirt as I descended into sleep.
"In the bedroom. Bella, stay awake," Alice ordered. Darkness overwhelmed me as Emmett took me upstairs. Every breath I took stung like a killer bee sting. Suddenly, I felt myself slipping from Emmett's arms into something fluffy. I realized it was my bed. Oh, thank goodness for my warm, feathery bed. I slid my hands under my pillow, burying my face into its softness. I could hear the faint click of my end table light switching on. I jerked back as a sharp cramp pierced my throat; my eyes caught red on the pillow cover. I stared, shocked, at the sight of my blood leaking on to the white sheets. I couldn't control myself. A low moan escaped my lips, and I scuttled back across the bed. It didn't seem possible. I was completely safe a couple of hours ago. No cuts or pain. Everything was wrong now. For a second time, I was suffering this torturous transformation. Emmett's strong arms held me down as I thrashed wildly.
This couldn't be happening again. Not to me. This couldn't be…
"The cut's not deep. When did this happen? About twenty minutes ago? I don't remember anything from the vision except that she was injured. Emmett, hold her down. Thank goodness we just ate," I heard Alice speaking. Her fingers tilted my head to the side. My gaze was focused on the bedroom door. I must have looked like a monster – my eyes were wide and probably streaked red from sobbing, my mouth was open, gasping for air that wasn't filling my lungs. "Hold on, Bella. It's almost over." I tried to answer, but my throat constricted and all I could manage was a breathless sigh.
The next few moments were excruciating. My back arched against the venom flowing out. Emmett strained to sedate me. I screamed, louder, and louder with each passing second. My throat was consumed in fire, fire that shot up to my skull and consumed my brain in flames. I shut my eyes so tightly I saw stars exploding behind the lids. Everything was coming crashing down on me. I screeched; my hands were frozen in place on my head. How could Edward have done this? Hatred penetrated every cell of my body and I loathed him undeniably. I didn't care if he died because I didn't love him anymore…My voice was cracking – I was losing focus of my surroundings…I despised him…
My lungs abruptly swelled with air, cool, damp oxygen that doused the fire burning my organs. I sunk back onto the bed. I realized my fingers were digging into my scalp; cold hands were prying them from my head, folding them across my stomach. I blinked; tears rolled down the sides of my face lazily; they, too, were exhausted from the immense effort I had just exerted. No pain – no stinging in my limbs, except for my elbows. I'd strained or fractured them terribly. I drew in a large intake of breath, trembling in relief. I was alive. Emmett was standing by my side, shoulders hunched. Alice sat in front of me, licking her bottom lip quickly. If she were human, she would be crying. Her hands closed around mine cautiously.
"You're all right, now. The venom's gone entirely," she explained in barely a whisper. Her voice broke – her glistening eyes turned elsewhere. What was bothering her? Had she witnessed another potentially dangerous vision? I couldn't ask. I wanted to reach up and hug her, but she looked like she would shatter if touched. I moved slightly; my shirt was drenched in sweat and clung to me as if it were a second skin.
"T - Thanks," I stammered. Emmett rested his palm on Alice's shoulder and eventually, she stirred out of her stupor. She smiled at me and her teeth glinted in the light. I noticed that rain was pounding heavily on the roof. Lightning cut through the graying sky, illuminating the room further.
"Goodness, look at the state of you. We have to get you cleaned up," Alice suggested. She rose, offering her hands. "Do you think you can walk?"
I sat up and dangled my legs over the side of the bed. "My elbows are a little out of joint, but other than that…" I rose to my feet slowly, wobbling as Emmett and Alice blurred. I felt Emmett's hand on my back, steadying me. My brain hadn't ceased throbbing yet. I hadn't even blinked fully when Alice vanished and appeared with a handful of clothes.
"You don't have much of a selection," she said, indicating the crumpled shirt and sweats. Emmett snickered.
"You found all of that out in a second?" I squeaked groggily. I felt like sleeping.
"It doesn't take long, honey," Alice teased, her arm winding around my waist. "Lean on me if you feel woozy." I winced at the soreness in my arms as we made our way to the bathroom. "Emmett, keep watch for Carlisle, will you?" My gaze fell to the floor. It seemed to pulsate with every step I took. My stomach reeled. "Here we are," Alice spoke, but her voice was muddled, distant. The brightness of the bathroom light blinded me. I staggered; Alice's grip tightened. I went to the mirror, grasping the edges of the sink as I examined my face.
I was in pretty bad shape. My skin was ashen. My eyes were puffy and pink from crying. My hair was matted to my skull and dripping wet. Grey circles dipped from underneath my eyelashes. My nose was bruised and had swelled considerably; blood splotches dotted my nostrils, chin, and neck. A thin scratch ran from the edge of my jaw to the center of my throat. I stared at it, too terrified to touch. It looked like I had scratched myself with a fingernail accidentally. A little bead of blood sprouted from the edge of the cut, growing larger until it separated and began its descent down my neck. Alice popped up with a tissue, dabbing it dry.
I couldn't look at myself anymore. Not the girl in the mirror. She was different, so different than me. She had brought this upon herself. She had overstepped her boundaries. I had control of my life. I was safe. I was careful. She was a monster. I spun around, clasping my quivering fingers over my eyes. The ache in my nose flared.
"Oh, God, what am I going to do?" I sighed into my palm as Alice steered me toward the toilet and told me to sit.
"Everything's going to be fine," she whispered. She wiped the blood from my neck and nose, scrutinizing my weary features.
"No," I insisted. "No. Everything's different now." Alice, of all people, had to realize that. The moment Edward bit me, things changed. "And now, I – I don't know what I'm going to do, Alice. I mean," I slammed the wall with my fist in frustration, "Edward won't even come near me now." I slouched, drained from the recent events. My brain clashed with my skull in a cranial battle. Alice sat back, tossing the tissue into the trashcan.
"Edward will visit you, Bella. And when he does," Alice lowered her voice a little, "you have to be kind. Please promise me you won't yell at him. If you do, he won't be able to live with himself."
"What, why?" My heart thrummed against my ribcage. Don't yell at him? It sounded so ridiculous. She frowned.
"Just promise me. Be gentle with him." I nodded, uncertain of what I was agreeing to. What could I possibly say that would anger him more? Nausea wracked my stomach. I swallowed the bile erupting in my throat and rested my pounding head on the counter. At that moment, I felt very alone and very stupid. My heart sank. How had I gotten myself into this situation?
Alice cleaned and applied ointment to my throat before covering it with some gauze. After that, she gave me a dry pair of clothes. While I was changing out of my soaking shirt, I noticed the bloody scratches tracing my waist. I blinked, shifting to get a better look.
"Did he do that to you?" Alice questioned. A shudder passed through me. I chewed my lip to force the tears back, but it didn't work. I yanked the new, dry shirt over the fresh cuts and raked my hands through my hair. "I'm sorry," Alice replied.
"No, no, it's fine," I muttered. I took a step and my knees buckled. My left elbow smashed against the counter as I staggered into Alice's arms. I couldn't suppress the sudden howl of pain that jarred even my own hearing.
I looked up groggily; Emmett was standing at the door, wringing his hands. "What the hell happened?"
"She just tripped. She hit her elbow again," Alice answered, setting me upright. The stinging ache shot right through my arm. I moaned, doubling over on the tile floor and muttering a string of curses.
"Carlisle's here," Emmett said.
"Bella. Bella, Carlisle will fix you up," Alice told me. I nodded quietly and felt myself being lifted up off the ground. The door slammed shut somewhere downstairs. I heard the stairs creaking and a group of voices speaking in low, calm tones. Through my wet, blurred eyes, I saw someone approaching – Carlisle.
My vision cleared. I was up in Emmett's arms and Carlisle was in front of us, watching me with his gorgeous golden eyes. His brow furrowed; he ran his hand through his impeccably perfect blonde hair, immersed deep in thought.
"Hi, Doctor Cullen," I uttered, flushing a light pink. I wished fervently that he wasn't disappointed in me. I had, after all, made his son bite me, crashed my car and almost died, and had gotten the whole family involved in the protection of my well-being.
"Hello, Bella," he sighed, weariness laced throughout his words. "Emmett, bring her into the bedroom. I have to check her for fractures. Alice, are you sure her blood's clean?" I was put in bed in a matter of seconds and Carlisle had gone into full doctor mode, checking my pulse, my nose, my elbows. I was forced to stay awake, to answer his questions about how I felt if he pressed my elbow in a certain place. I stifled quite a few groans when he did that. After a while, he understood that every place he touched on my elbow throbbed unmercifully. Alice and Emmett stood in the doorway, silent and unmoving like marble statues. Carlisle gave me Advil to decrease the ache in my elbows, nose, and head, and informed me I had lost a little blood, most likely a pint. I barely listened. I forgot what he told me afterwards. Instead, I listened to the rain pitter-pattering on the window, and wondered where Edward was then and if Esme and Jasper had caught him. Had he sated his thirst? "Bella…" Carlisle's voice weaved its way through my consciousness.
"Yes?" I murmured. I felt my eyes drooping and I yawned softly.
"You can sleep if you want." Carlisle patted my head in a fatherly gesture. How was I ever going to repay these people for what they had done for me?
"Thanks," I murmured, "…Doc." Despite the lessening ache in my body, I couldn't keep my eyes open. My mind was drifting into nothingness. Warmth spread throughout my limbs; I realized my blanket had been draped over me. Gently, I snuggled under its depths, like a bear preparing to hibernate, and slipped from reality into dreamy bliss.
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The meadow sat quiet under a golden moon. From far off, I could hear crickets singing their ode to the night, somber and intoxicating. I padded across the great expanse of grass, listening, waiting. The few flowers dotting the landscape were soaked in moonlight.
"Bella."
My skin prickled in anticipation. The hairs on my arms rose slightly. His voice…
I spun. There he was, standing a few feet away. The golden moon enhanced the brightness of his eyes, which were honey-colored now. He stepped forward. My first instinct was to sprint away, escape this gorgeous predator. My feet chose to remain firmly planted in the grass.
"Please – stay where you are," I pleaded, holding up a shaking hand. Edward's gaze softened.
"You don't have to fear me, Bella," he said in that silky voice that made my bones quake with desire. "This is a dream. You choose what you want to see of me." He must have sensed my puzzlement because he added, "That means I won't harm you."
"You won't?" I sputtered. He was inches away, his handsome face illuminated by the glistening stars.
"No," he reassured me, bending in to place a kiss on my burning cheek. I chuckled weakly, hardly believing that this was really happening. I pulled back, breathing labored. I wiped my sweaty hands on my shirt and cupped Edward's strong jaw in my palms. He didn't flinch. I leaned in to him, catching a whiff of his captivating scent. I buried my face in his shoulder as his hands slid around my waist, drawing me closer.
"Will anything ever be the same?" I asked, more to myself than to Edward. I felt him move and I peered up. His expression was grim.
"I'm afraid not," he answered. "Things will sort out in the end, though."
"How?" I continued, eager to discover the answer to this predicament. I had begun to fiddle with his shirt button.
"I suppose we'll just have to find out for ourselves," Edward replied. "Yet, whatever happens, I'll always love you, Bella. Remember that."
"I won't forget," I swore, "but…" I moved away from him. He gazed at me forlornly.
"More questions later," Edward insisted. He brushed a stray hair from my face; his touch sent me into shock. My hands curled up behind his neck and I tilted my head to kiss him. His cool lips brushed mine.
"Wait," I interrupted.
"I'm not relinquishing to my bloodlust," Edward reminded me. He smirked. "Now, where were we?" I barely breathed when he clutched me to him, pressing his lips to mine in a fervent kiss. My mouth opened in surprise; he nibbled gently on my lower lip, causing my eyes to nearly roll back inside my head. I was in paradise.
"Bella," he growled into my skin. I was speechless.
He stopped. "Bella."
"Edward, don't leave."
"It's time to wake up." Frantically, I reached for him. He grasped my hands in his pale fingers. "It's all right to let go."
Slowly, my hands untwined with his and I released him, catapulting into a strange light.
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"Bella, Bella, wake up." My eyes shot open; I rose, disoriented. Both of my elbows were bandaged. Carlisle was standing at my side.
"W- What's going o-on?" I slurred.
"Your father's on the phone." My father? I froze. Why was he calling? Was he coming home early? How in the world was I going to explain to him the condition I was in?
"Oh…God."
"Take it easy. He just wants to see how you are. I think this is the best time to tell him what to expect when he gets home," Carlisle explained calmly.
"What am I supposed to say? 'Oh, Dad, sorry, but Edward attacked me, and I almost turned into a vampire?' I don't think he's going to take that well," I blurted. I realized my sudden outburst probably wasn't the best response, so I muttered a sheepish "sorry."
"I suggest you lie," Carlisle offered, and helped me out of bed.
"How long have I been sleeping?"
"Two and a half hours."
"And what time is it now?"
"About 5:30." Charlie would be home in an hour and a half. Carlisle assisted me down the stairs, after I'd insisted I was fine, and to the phone. Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett were curled up on the living room sofa, eyes glued to the television.
Carlisle disappeared into the kitchen, patting my shoulder sympathetically as he passed. My hand trembled as I put the phone to my ear, ready to heave my guts all over the floor.
"Hi Dad," I greeted half-heartedly. I dropped into a nearby chair, fearing this was going to end up a very long discussion.
"Hey Bells. What's going on? I thought you were spending time at Edward's house today. I called his cell phone just to check up, but he didn't answer. Did you decide to bring the whole Cullen clan over to our house?" Charlie chuckled over the phone.
"Um…well," I faltered. Tears stung my eyes. "I was at Edward's, but I tripped and fell…and hurt myself." I heard a heavy intake of breath on the other line. It crackled into my ear.
"Bella," he groaned.
"But Carlisle – I mean, Doctor Cullen was there, and he fixed me up. He thought it was best for me to come home, so I did. Actually, Alice and Emmett drove me back. They decided to stay a little bit, just to make sure I was all right. I am – I just took a short nap," I explained quickly.
"How bad is it?" Charlie's voice sounded grave.
"I sprained my elbows, got some bruises – had a nosebleed…" I mumbled. A broken sob leapt from my lips as I realized I'd never be able to tell him the truth. I covered my mouth with my hand and bit my tongue. "I'm – sorry – Dad."
Charlie's exasperated breathing increased. I could imagine him shaking his head in disapproval. "Bella, it's all right. Don't cry. It's just – you have to be careful next time. I thought you were going to tell me Mr. Cullen was shipping you to the hospital. I'm coming home," he said.
"No!" I replied. "No, no, you still have work."
"My family comes before work."
"But there's nothing to worry about, Dad. I assure you I'm in good hands. I'm feeling much better anyway. I'll see you at seven."
"Are you sure?" Charlie asked. Part of me wanted him to come home terribly, and another part ached to keep him away. What if Edward showed up? My father was still wary of him, and hearing that I had injured myself over at his house didn't help matters much.
"I'm very sure, Dad," I responded confidently. "Bye."
"Bye, honey. Please try to keep out of trouble until I get home," he pleaded. I promised him I would and hung up the phone with a relieved moan.
"How was it?" a voice questioned. Alice was leaning on the wall opposite me, arms folded across her chest.
"Slightly unbearable," I grinned, rubbing my elbow. It wasn't as sore as it was earlier. I pressed my fingers to my eyes, soaking up the tears that threatened to roll down my cheeks in excessive amounts had I not regained my self-control. Alice stooped down and enveloped me in a backbreaking embrace.
"Thank you for everything, Alice. You and everyone else in your family mean a great deal to me. I owe you so much," I said quietly.
"Please, Bella," Alice laughed, ruffling my hair. "You're like my other sister. You don't owe us anything." Just as she said this, a knock on the front door resounded through my ears. I held still, bracing myself for who would enter.
Carlisle reentered from the kitchen, glancing at me before opening the door. He stopped. Emmett and Rosalie appeared from the living room, taking their places beside Carlisle. I spotted Esme and Jasper silhouetted against the dim lighting of the hallway. They were all standing there, staring at each other, mouths parted slightly. I couldn't understand the fast murmurs each of them spoke. Behind them was…
I shot up from my chair, mouth dry, palms damp. It was Edward. He was here right outside my house. What to do, what to do? I couldn't stay there. I choked on my words. Alice took me by the arm, guiding me to the stairs. I didn't have to turn around to know that everyone was looking at me, especially Edward. My almost killer.
I wanted to die…or at least crawl under my bed and collect with the dust bunnies. Anything was better than having seven pairs of stern topaz eyes staring me down, labeling me as the instigator. I blushed in humiliation. I half-wished Edward had killed me when the opportunity arose.
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Whew, that was long. I'm exhausted. Writing nine pages takes a lot out of you. I doubt I'll ever write this much again. I believe there are only two more chapters left of this story. How was this chapter anyway? Did you like the Alice/Bella bonding? Edward will be involved much more in the next update. Constructive criticism is always welcome. I'll write more when I can. :)