Chapter 2

Laurent showed Bella how to dispose of the body she had killed. He explained to her that she was strong, fast, immortal. She was what was referred to as a "newborn," a newly created vampire, more powerful than mature vampires. She found that she had no need to eat, breathe, or sleep. Only to drink.

Some vampires even had special gifts. Laurent told her about the Volturi, their ruling body. The Volturi's leader was named Aro. By merely touching someone, he could see every thought they had ever had. And there were others. A vampire who could release noxious fumes from his hands, and one that could impose pain on others simply by thinking it. Although Bella found these claims difficult to believe, nothing was more outlandish than what had already happened to her.

Bella was, perhaps, naturally inclined to the vampire lifestyle. She had always been something of a loner and rather independent. She didn't miss human company, but she did miss her mother. Without sleep, there was no escape from her grief.

"Can vampires die?" She asked Laurent one night, pensively overlooking the city. She had been contemplating the accident. Why had her mother died while she, Bella, had been given a second chance at life, (however strange a life it was?)

Laurent leaned back and gazed up at the stars. "Many have tried. They grow weary of immortality. While the loved ones from our human lives pass on, we continue living. Forever. But vampires cannot die by trauma, drowning, starvation, sickness, or most other methods by which humans die. Our kind can only be killed by fire."

Bella imagined herself consumed by a towering inferno.

"How old are you?" She asked, suddenly curious.

"I was born in France in 1704." said Laurent, "And I was Turned at the age of 40. By choice. And," he added, "I've never regretted it."

Bella suppressed a shiver. He was over 300 years old. She couldn't imagine living for so long. And yet, that's what awaited her. 300 years in the future, everyone she knew would be dead and she would still be the same, unchanged version of herself that existed today. It was a frightening thought. And yet… there was a part of her that relished it. To never experience the physical pain of an aging body. To escape the one thing that awaited all humans: death.

After a few moments Laurent stood and looked down at Bella. "Bella, it's time we headed north."

Bella raised her head from where she had been resting it on her knees. "Why?" She liked Phoenix. It was home. And it held her mother's remains.

"The Volturi have entrusted me with a certain…task. There are vampires who are of extreme interest to them. And the wishes of the Volturi must be realized."

"What do you need me for?" Bella questioned, apathetic.

"As my newborn, you are my charge." he explained, "When you are a mature vampire, you may travel alone if you so choose. But you are not ready yet. You still lose self-control around your prey. It's your nature as a newborn. And…" he reached out a hand to help her to her feet, though she didn't need it, "Something tells me you will prove useful to my efforts."

Bella contemplated. She had no particular allegiance to the Volturi. She could strike out on her own. She was stronger than Laurent. He wouldn't be able to stop her.

But…she also owed him for saving her. He could have left her to die in that car accident. He was the only person she had to talk to. And he had mentioned other vampires. She was intrigued. Were they all like Laurent, stoic and calculating?

She reached out to take Laurent's outstretched hand.

They ran west, to California, then up the Pacific coast. Night turned to day, then back to night again. They hugged the coastline, travelling for so long that Bella was sure they must be nearing the Canadian border. Laurent kept them away from roads to prevent her from scenting any humans, though he periodically broke away to check the road signs, ensuring they were still en route.

Eventually, Bella began to thirst. When she could bear it no more, she signaled to Laurent.

"Laurent, I need to hunt."

He nodded, slowing. "We are very near our destination. I will join you."

Bella adjusted her course, slightly irked that Laurent still felt he needed to monitor her, but allowing him to follow her as she tracked a pair of human scents. She felt a sort of haze come over her, which she had come to identify as the kind of frenzy that accompanied a hunt. She tore through the woods in the direction of her prey, Laurent close on her heels.

She could hear her targets before she could see them. Two men, both middle aged.

"Come on, Waylon, you know you can't be out driving like this," one of the men was saying, "I can't take you home in the squad car again. What's your wife going to say?"

Bella could see them now through the trees, two cars parked on the shoulder of the road, one with lights flashing. A uniformed officer with a mustache leaned against the driver side window of the car he had pulled over. The person inside wasn't visible. The scent of blood grew stronger with every step as Bella neared. She couldn't wait to sink her teeth in.

"Sorry Officer Swan," she heard the other man say, "I only had a couple beers this time, I swear,"

"A couple too many." the officer replied with a sigh, "And don't do that 'Officer Swan' crap. It's just Charlie."

Bella stopped.

"Look bud, I don't want to write you a ticket. You're lucky there's nobody out on this road but you and me. Is your son in town? Why don't we give him a call and have him pick you up. I'll bring you back out here to get your car in the morning." Bella watched as he pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation…just the way she had always done, "And don't let this happen again or I have to ticket you, understand?"

The scent of human blood was strong, almost overwhelming. Bella's head was spinning. Charlie Swan. It was a name she had heard before.

She took a step back. Laurent shot her a questioning look.

"Is something the matter?"

Bella's throat was burning, but something stopped her from continuing the hunt. Almost trembling, she forced herself to turn on her heel and head back, away from the road.

"A police officer from a rural town?" she answered, "Too conspicuous. People would notice if he went missing. We'll find easier prey."

Laurent watched her for a long moment, then finally gave a sharp nod. "You are learning to control your urges. Good."

Bella did not answer, but stared ahead. Charlie Swan was someone who had never been more than a name to Bella, emerging only in rare conversations with her mother. He was a name without a face, and he had existed for no more than a single night of her mother's past. But now, here he was. He had appeared before her.

Her father.

A/N: Hang in there! Cullens enter next chapter