Chapter 4

It wasn't difficult to find the Cullen's hunting grounds. Overlapping scents of animal blood were concentrated in the forest east of Forks, some stale, others fresh. Soon they came upon a long driveway, winding uphill through the woods. Bella couldn't see where it led.

"I will leave you here," Laurent said, "I do not wish to be detected. You know where to find me. I will expect to hear from you in a week's time."

Before Bella could speak he had turned and run full speed through the trees, back the way they had come. She was left to start up the long driveway alone. As she walked, she observed the forest around her. The evergreens were alive with birdsong, filled with the sounds and scents of late summer. It was far from her native Phoenix, but Washington, Bella had decided, was beautiful.

Although her heart still ached for her mother and all she had left behind, she found herself wondering what it would have been like to grow up here, in Washington, with her father. With a gnawing anxiety in her stomach, she hoped Laurent would keep his promise to leave Charlie Swan alone.

Bella's thoughts were interrupted as she spotted a building through the trees. As she got closer, she could see that it was a huge modern home built into a steep hill. Huge glass windows looked out into the forest. The Cullens clearly didn't want for money.

As she approached the house, a face appeared in the window, though Bella couldn't make out the features. She walked up the polished wooden steps to the front of the house and realized that the front door was completely made of glass, matching the large windows on the rest of the house. Bella stopped in front of the door, having caught sight of her reflection in the glass. It was the first time she had seen herself since Laurent had Turned her. She was more beautiful than she had ever been as a human. Her hair fell in dark shiny waves around her shoulders. Her face was pale and sparkled as it caught the light though the trees. Her lips were full and brushed with red. Most striking of all were her eyes. They had been brown as a human. Now they were a deep red.

The door opened before Bella had time to press the doorbell. On the threshold stood the small dark-haired vampire that Bella had met the night before.

"Oh, hello," the woman said, "I didn't see you coming."

"Uh…hi." Bella waved awkwardly. "I think we…we met last night."

The woman brightened. "That's right!" she replied, flashing a cheeky smile. Then she held out her hand. "I'm Alice Cullen."

"Bella Swan," Bella replied, shaking Alice's cold hand.

"Come inside," Alice stepped aside to let Bella cross the threshold.

By this time, more vampires had entered the room. One of them was the soft woman that Bella recognized from the forest. The other two were males. One was tall, blond, and looked mid-thirties. The other was very handsome and appeared closer to Bella's own age, though she knew he could be much older. His face was rather brooding and his hair looked perfectly windblown. All of them had matching golden eyes. Absent was the third vampire from the night before – the curly-haired man with the Southern accent.

"This is Carlisle, and Esme," Alice was saying, "our adopted parents. And this is my brother Edward." Then she turned to the others. "This is Bella. She's new to the area."

All of them greeted Bella kindly. Edward's golden eyes met hers intently as she shook his hand. Bella quickly dropped her gaze, but he continued to stare at her even as she turned back to the others.

"What can we do for you, Bella?" Carlisle asked. He seemed to be the leader of the group, and Alice had referred to him as her father. This was the vampire Laurent was most interested in.

"I met some of you last night while hunting. And well I…I mean…you said that you only hunt animals, right?" Bella stammered. "I was wondering if… you could show me how to do that?"

"Oh, you want to be like us!" Alice exclaimed, throwing her arms around Bella. "I can't believe I didn't see you coming into our lives!"

"What do you mean?" Bella asked, slightly taken aback by Alice's enthusiasm.

"Alice has the Gift of precognition," Edward answered. He was still looking at her very intently. "She means she didn't see you in any of her visions. And," he added, "I can't read your thoughts."

She didn't need to ask the obvious question. Apparently, Edward could read others' thoughts.

"Bella must be a shield," Esme spoke up, "it's an unusual ability." She turned to Bella. "I expect you are a very special person."

"Edward doesn't have to read your thoughts," Alice beamed, "I like you already!"

Surprised as she was at the Cullens' warmth, Bella couldn't help a small smile. They were so different from Laurent. Almost like a normal family.

"If you are truly willing to share our lifestyle we welcome you with open arms," said Carlisle, "and we'll support you through the transition. You'll live here with us. But you must remember," he continued seriously, "we consider all human life to be sacred. There can be no exception. Do you understand?"

Bella nodded.

"She's a newborn." said a new voice. While Bella had been caught up with the others, another Cullen had descended down the staircase. She recognized him as the man from the forest. He eyed her with mild disdain.

"Bella, this is Jasper," said Carlisle, "Jasper, Bella wishes to join the family."

"She's a newborn," Jasper said again, "She won't be able to control herself. I've seen it time and time again."

Alice left Bella and stepped over to Jasper, taking his hand in hers. Bella was surprised, but she realized the Cullens must not really be siblings.

"Jasper," Alice said gently, "give her a chance."

"No Alice," Jasper replied, "she'll put the people in Forks at risk."

"I won't." Bella spoke up quickly, "I can control myself. I've done it before."

The Cullens had to accept her. Otherwise, Charlie Swan's life might be at risk.

"Can you do it every day? Forever?" Jasper challenged, "I've spent decades around newborns. They can't be stopped. It's their nature. Until you've matured your thirst will own you."

"Enough, Jasper." Edward broke in quietly. Bella shot him an appreciative glance.

Carlisle put a hand on Jasper's shoulder. "We have to trust that her intentions are pure. Our purpose is to help others."

Bella felt a flash of guilt, knowing that her intentions weren't entirely pure. She was here to spy for Laurent, after all.

After a tense moment, Jasper let his shoulders drop, still holding Alice's hand. He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry," he said, "I've been…ungentlemanly."

Before Bella could reply, he turned and receded up the staircase, out of sight.

Alice mouthed "sorry" at Bella before hurriedly following Jasper out of the room.

"Please excuse Jasper," Carlisle turned back to Bella, "He can be a little cynical."

"It's okay," Bella murmured.

"What of your companion?" Esme asked, "The one you travelled with last night?"

"He's moved elsewhere." Bella replied, hoping her tone didn't allow for argument. The Cullens seemed to accept the explanation without argument, because Esme nodded and stepped forward to wrap her arm around Bella.

"I'm sure this is a little overwhelming for you," she said kindly, "Edward, why don't you show Bella around? She can have the empty third-floor room for herself."

Edward led Bella through the house. The inside was every bit as chic and modern as it was on the outside. The kitchen was full of gleaming copper cookware, obviously never used, and the bathrooms were likewise spotless and untouched.

In the living room was a large grand piano. Bella ran her fingers along the heavy ivory keys, careful not to depress them.

"Do you play?" Edward asked her.

"Oh—no," said Bella, drawing her hand away, "do you?"

In reply, Edward sat down on the bench and began to play. Bella watched his hands move elegantly across the keys. It was a classical tune – nothing that she recognized – and the soft music filled the room. It lasted only a few moments before he ended the tune and rose from the bench.

"That's beautiful," Bella told him. Edward's lips curled in a small smile.

"I'll teach you sometime… If you want." He added hastily.

Bella brushed her hair behind her ear.

"That would be nice." she replied.