Chapter 1

Hot waves of air rose from the Phoenix desert, sun high in the sky. Bella watched it all pass by through the passenger window of her mother's VW.

"Oh honey," Renee was saying, "You'll like living with Phil, I promise."

"Yeah, sure. He's great." Bella said boredly. She really didn't want to move in with her mother's boyfriend. It's not like there was anything wrong with Phil, but it meant they would have to act like a weird little family.

"You know," Renee continued, side-eyeing her from the driver's seat. "If it's really that big of a deal you could find some roomates, get your own place. I mean, you are in college now after all."

"Yeah, community college."

"There's nothing wrong with community college, Bella," Renee scolded, "it's so practical. And college is going to be one of the best times of your life!"

"Ok."

"It was for me," she continued, "After all, Washington State is where I met your father."

"For one night." Bella rolled her eyes, "and then you moved back to Phoenix and didn't even tell him you were pregnant. That's definitely my idea of the best time of my life."

"Well if it hadn't happened then I wouldn't have you, silly!" Renee reached out to push Bella playfully on the shoulder. At that instant there was a squeal of tires and a thunderous screech of metal on metal. Bella plunged forward in the passenger seat and then everything went black.

Bella woke, panting, she didn't know where. Pain gripped her, flashing dark spots in front of her eyes. Ice cold and hot fire coursed through her veins. The accident…she must be dying. She lay there, floating in and out of consciousness, for what seemed like an eternity.

When Bella came to again, she was on the dusty ground. The sun was low in the sky, sending long shadows over the desert. Slowly she became aware of another presence, and turned her head to find the most beautiful man she had ever seen.

His skin was dark and smooth. In the rays of the dying sun, and hindered by her pain-wrought brain, it appeared to sparkle like sunlight on water. His black hair was twisted into long dreadlocks, and his shoulders were broad and well-muscled. But his most striking feature was his eyes. He was wearing bright red contacts.

The man smiled at her, revealing even white teeth.

"Welcome," he said, "to your new life."

He had a slight accent, but Bella couldn't place it. French, maybe?

She attempted to sit up and found that she was stronger than she anticipated. In fact, she didn't feel poorly at all. She felt quite well.

In an instant, terror flashed through her. Her mother! Was she okay? Bella's head whipped around, searching for her mother, but there was nothing. No highway, no accident, no trace of Renee.

"M-mom?" Her voice came out cracked and dry. It was then that Bella became aware of her thirst.

It was like someone had taken all the sand and dirt from the Arizona desert and poured it down her throat, and then left her to dry in the hot sun. Never had she been so parched in her life.

"W-water," she croaked to the man. He smiled again.

"Water won't help you, darling," he said, "but I know what will."

The man's voice faded into background noise as Bella rose to her feet, all other thoughts gone from her mind. She needed to drink. Now. As she did so, the scent of something irresistible hit her like a wave. She easily pinpointed the direction. Then she took off.

Bella sprinted, dimly aware that the desert under her feet was a mere blur. She didn't stop to contemplate the speed at which the ground melted away before her. Eventually, the city of Phoenix appeared, a wavering smudge on the horizon. The delicious scent grew stronger as she neared. Closest to her: the highway.

It didn't matter that the cars were travelling seventy miles per hour. She could match their speed. She could match their strength too. Bella knew what had to be done. She could easily punch through a window and drag out a passenger from within. Then her thirst would be sated.

"Stop!"

A hand clamped on Bella's arm, slowing her. The man had caught up to her. She knew she was stronger than him, but thirst made her begin to wear.

"Stop!" He said again, "It's too conspicuous! You must not be detected!"

Bella fought against his grip but couldn't shake him.

"Follow me." The man ordered, "I know where to find you a meal."

The promise of food was what Bella needed. With great effort, she allowed herself to be led away from the highway.

Darkness fell as the two reached the outskirts the city. The man slowed their pace to a brisk walk, though Bella was itching to run. She grew thirstier by the second, and didn't question the man when he turned into the parking lot of a seedy motel.

"You must choose your prey carefully," he said to her, as they rounded the side of the building. Bella followed his gaze towards a figure seated on the sidewalk. He sat in the shadow cast by the motel's dumpster, away from the single buzzing streetlamp. The end of his cigarette glowed in the darkness. His silhouette was stooped, as though older, and the front of him rounded into a large gut. No one else was around. The lot was dead silent.

Bella did not hesitate. Using the shadows to cloak her, she approached. The old man took a long drag from his cigarette, then tossed it to the ground and crushed it under his foot. He grunted as though about to rise, and Bella made her move.

The kill was swift. Bella drank long, not needing to stop for breath. Finally, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and let the body fall to the ground with a soft thud.

"Satisfied?" The man sidled up to her with a light smile. Bella nodded. It was the best thing she had ever tasted. Dimly, she was aware of what she had done, but any feelings of horror faded in the face of the gratifying meal she had just finished.

"Who are you?" She asked the man. The question had only just occurred to her.

"My name is Laurent," he replied, "And yours?"

"Isabella Swan. Bella"

"How wonderful to make your acquaintance, Bella." said Laurent.

"Where's my mom?" Bella asked, fearing the worst.

Laurent's reply was unfeeling. "I'm afraid your mother's fragile human body did not survive the impact. You would have gone the same way had I not arrived when I did."

Agony gripped Bella's heart.

"It's just as well." Laurent continued, "You must sever all ties with your human life. I created you because I am on a mission and I require a companion."

"What am I?" Bella's voice was barely a whisper.

"We are known by many names across many cultures," said Laurent, red eyes glinting, "In yours, we are called Vampires."