I'm sorry for the long delay. There's been a lot happening.

Thanks to Fran for all of her help and big thanks to everyone who reads and reviews! I know this story isn't for everyone, but I'm glad you're still enjoying it. :)

SM owns everything Twilight.

"I'm sorry, are you two bored of me already?" I question my cousins after they both yawn multiple times within a matter of minutes.

I had been trying to have a conversation with them for the past several minutes, wondering how Jess and Angela were doing with my absence.

I have no doubt they'll be fine.

I'd just like to hear it.

"Tremendously," Jasper drawls, looking at me through sleepy, half-open eyes and a drunk-like smile.

Sneering, I flip him off. "You zebra-donkey ass face."

He blinks slowly, his lips pulling down in confusion and annoyance. "What does that even mean?"

"That you're an idiot. Right, Rose?"

She looks the same as her twin, half awake and zombie-like, hiding yawns behind her hands. Her eyes are red and swollen—thanks in part to bouts of crying throughout our conversation.

I had been trying to find out if she had changed her mind about graduating in January as she had planned, but she had either turned her head away, ignoring me or changed the subject, asking me what it was like in Alaska.

"Hmm? What? Sorry, Bella. It's late; we're tired."

"It's only—" I pause, my eyes widening at the time.

It's after one in the morning, which means we've been talking for close to four hours.

I should have realized it was late; first, Edward had to find a charger for the phone halfway through our call, and Dad disappeared a while ago, claiming he needed rest, but I figured he was just talking to Mom.

It never occurred to me that he actually went to sleep.

"I—I didn't realize," I start, looking at Edward, who's laying at my side, leisurely tossing a ball into the air, as if he doesn't have a care in the world … which I suppose he doesn't.

I'm awake … and okay-ish.

And currently having a mini freak-out about why I hadn't noticed it was so late.

It seemed like only minutes ago, Rose was crying about my newfound undead status and that I was staying in Alaska because I didn't want to kill the human members of my family.

I hadn't realized we'd been talking for this long … and what's stranger for me is I don't feel one ounce of the exhaustion my cousin's feel.

I remember Edward telling me that vampires don't sleep; all vampires have are endless amounts of long days and even longer nights, with no reprieve of slipping off into unconsciousness.

Strangely, I kind of thought he was full of shit, considering all the crap he's told me before.

It's an odd feeling to feel the same amount of energy I had when I first was able to move from my delayed 'awakening' from my transformation in the afternoon. I feel as if I should have some kind of lethargy after everything I had been through; from the hard time releasing the shield I had placed over myself to the burst of animalistic anger I had felt ... there should be something I feel.

There's something there, but I can't put my finger on what it is, exactly.

"I'll let you go," I tell them, my voice soft and hollow to my own ears.

I try to clear my throat to make myself sound like normal, but I'm afraid it's no use; I repeat the phrase again, only for it to sound exactly the same.

Edward's eyes snap to mine, the ball falling with a thump onto the floor before bouncing twice and rolling away underneath a beige armchair. He watches me closely, his face smooth and devoid of emotion, but it's his eyes that let me know what he's thinking.

He's wary.

He reaches for me but immediately pulls back as I pointedly ignore him, planting a smile on my face and forcing a chuckle through my lips, trying to ignore the burning in my eyes and the hollow feeling in my chest.

Thankfully, tears aren't an issue anymore.

"Goodnight, guys."

Jasper mumbles a goodnight, lazily waving his hand and rising clumsily before stumbling off to his room. I can hear him sleepily shuffling down the hall, his socked feet gliding across the wooden floor. Seconds later, there's a muted thud, followed by a low, hissed curse.

Rose's bloodshot eyes narrow as she frowns, blinking rapidly and muffling a yawn against her fingers.

"You okay?"

"Mm-hmm," I hum with a nod. "Yeah. Just … Yeah. I didn't realize it had gotten so late."

Rose skeptically eyes me, her lips pursed as she continues to stare and rapidly blink—looking rather comical while doing so. If the connection weren't so good, I'd swear there was a glitch somewhere, but it seems the only glitch is with her.

I huff a laugh, thankful she's too tired to notice my amusement because I'd guarantee she would not think my thoughts are funny.

"Go to bed, Rose. We'll talk some other time."

She points a finger, her nails looking short, ragged, and broken. "Tomorrow. None of this some other time crap. Tomorrow. Every day, until you're back home with us."

"I don't have a choice?" I ask, not bothering to hide my amusement now.

The hollow feeling in my chest eases some, but there's still a small sense of something else bothersome there.

It's a combination of anxiety, anger, and something almost melancholy.

I wish I knew why I was feeling this way and what was causing it so I could forget about it, but it lingers, sitting heavily on my chest.

Absently, I reach up and rub at the area, wondering if vampires are capable of getting heartburn.

"No. None. Now, I'm going to get some sleep. I'll talk to you tomorrow," she tells me, stressing on the last word. "I love you, Bella. Goodnight."

This time, my smile is genuine. "Love you too. Pour cold water on Jasper in the morning for me, will you?"

Rose snorts, shaking her head. "We'll see. Night."

I repeat the sentiment, ending the call and tossing it onto the chair I'm leaning against. I heave a sigh and look around, studiously avoiding Edward's penetrative stare as I wonder what's going to happen now.

The house is still and quiet, except for the low volume of three televisions playing somewhere. There's a constant repetition of paper brushing against hard skin, coming every few seconds at irregular intervals.

It belatedly occurs to me that multiple people are reading as well.

Sighing once more, I fluidly rise, shaking out the nonexistent kinks in the muscles of my arms and legs. The sensation of complete nothingness in my body is unsettling; I should be feeling something.

Tightness … soreness … exhaustion, but there's nothing.

I feel just the same as I did when I first came in here.

Walking to the window, I gaze out at the landscape, watching as snowflakes lightly fall from the thick clouds, disappearing into the blanket of white on the ground.

It's dark outside, the moonlight hidden behind the clouds, encasing everything in darkness.

It's still, too, with no sounds or movement coming from anything nearby. I suppose that's thanks to all the vampires concentrated in one area and the late hour.

Despite the darkness and lack of light outside, I can still see everything with perfect clarity; the tree branches entwined high in the air, the needles blending into one another, looking like one huge form halfway from the top to the middle of the thick tree before spacing out once more.

Snow collects on the branches, making the needles appear darker and more beautiful against the white.

It's something I can vividly recall when I close my eyes; the color, the shape … everything rests in my mind like a photograph.

Images from the day start to filter in along with it, the faces of my dad and cousins popping up frequently, and that place in my chest aches again as my mind starts to race.

Will my cousins be okay? Will my friends?

When will I be able to see them again? Can I even see them again? What happens if I go bat-shit crazy again when I do see them? What if I can't be stopped the next time?

What happens then?

And what about my freaky gifts? Will I inadvertently trap myself inside my own head again? What if I do it to my family? To the Cullens and the Denalis?

To Edward?

Granted, the idea of rendering Edward immobile and having my wicked way with him—with his permission, of course—is intriguing, but can I do it safely?

Will I ever get control of myself?

I take a deep breath, rubbing my forehead, wishing I could just shut my mind off for a moment, basking in the nothingness of sleep.

It's what I want to do, but my mind won't grant sleepiness any entry.

"Bella?" Edward asks, his voice curious. Through the reflection, I can see him staring intently at me, or rather my eyes.

"What now?"

"What do you mean?"

"What do we do now?"

"Well, I have a few ideas," he teases.

I catch my reflection in the glass as I roll my eyes, but I see the small smile pulling at my lips.

Leave it to him to get a grin out of me.

While the offer does make my mind race with thoughts us in compromising positions, it's still not happening … especially while it's this quiet.

"We're still in a house full of people," I remind him.

"Yeah, control yourself, Edward!" Emmett says, followed by Alice's laugh.

Lowly, Edward growls, sending a scathing look toward the door. "Don't you have something better to do?"

His question makes me wonder what everyone does at night since they can't sleep.

I'll admit, I never thought about what Edward and his family did in the dead of night. I actually never thought about what they did at all.

Edward, on the other hand, I always pictured skulking outside my house like a creep, his face angry and brooding as he pensively ran over attack strategies and ways to dispose of my body without anyone noticing.

Even when we became close, I still pictured him doing that, only he transformed into equal parts pervert and a psycho killer.

Huffing a laugh, I shake my head at my thoughts, my smile falling when I fail to notice the glass fogging up; it's another reminder of the change I had gone through.

"Don't you have a house of your own?" I hear Emmett suddenly complain with a teasing tone. "I don't want to see that, Tanya. You're like my sister. Gross."

"Sister, my ass," she replies with a snort. "I saw you checking out my ass during that Zeppelin concert."

In response, there's a low growl, the sound deep and angry and protective.

My back stiffens, and my shoulders square as my body tenses, coiled and ready to spring into action. Every inch of my skin feels tight and stretched thin across my bones. My throat tightens, and I swallow thickly, trying to ease the tension there because that confining feeling at the base of my throat feels as if someone is trying to choke me.

My muscles tense, waiting for the silent command to set me off.

Where I'll go, I don't know; what's happening downstairs isn't any cause for concern. It's merely two immortal friends and quasi-family members exchanging playful banter.

The responding growl isn't from either one of them; it's too upset and defensive to be one of them, not to mention, it definitely seems to be male; there's a deep timber to it, making it sound louder and profound, though I'm sure a woman can sound just as terrifying.

It takes me a moment to realize the sound came from Arthur.

Tanya murmurs her reassurances of the joking conversation, her voice quiet and calm.

Emmett had told me vampires are extremely protective of their mates, and it would seem Arthur is no exception.

Behind me, I hear Edward come closer, but he pauses after two steps. His reflection in the glass is pensive and curious, with a hint of apprehension. I see his eyes shift to the door and back to me, and I can't help but roll my eyes.

He probably thinks I'm going to go psycho again and charge downstairs, eliminating the source of the growl.

Well, the joke is on him because I don't plan on doing such a thing.

I remind myself there's no danger here, and everyone is safe.

I'm safe.

"That was in '68! And I'm not that dead … but I will be if you continue humping your boyfriend in front of me. Don't be like Edward."

"Don't look," she sharply says. "And stop being jealous. He's actually getting action apart from his hand. Come on, baby. Let's go somewhere private," she purrs, followed closely by Emmett's disgusted groan.

Seconds later, Arthur and Tanya are racing away into the line of trees; their hands entwined. I sigh, expecting the glass to fog, but again, nothing happens.

Reaching up, I touch it timidly, feeling nothing but the cool, smooth surface underneath my fingertips.

In my reflection, I spot my frowning face and sigh heavily again, rubbing at my face.

What is wrong with me?

"Bella, let me ask you something," Edward starts, coming to stand next to me, interrupting my thoughts. He places his hand on my lower back, his fingers dangerously dipping toward the top of my ass.

I raise an eyebrow at him, ready with a witty retort for whatever pervy question he's about to ask, but he takes me by surprise.

"When you were upset earlier, and I touched your hand, what were you thinking?"

My eyebrows raise in surprise, and I start to answer but immediately snap my mouth closed.

Did he see something in my head? Hear something?

I'm not worried about him catching something rude; I've pretty much said what I think about him to his face. The only thing I haven't said was how much I like him.

Or more than like him.

I'm pretty sure my feelings for him are deep, but how deep, I don't know.

That wouldn't be a bad thing for him to know, but I'd rather him not know right now; he'd use it too much to his advantage.

"Why? What does that have to do with anything?"

He shrugs a shoulder, turning and leaning his back against the glass. His long fingers dance over the back of mine, tracing imaginary lines across my skin as his features take on a bored expression. But I can see the excitement and inquisitiveness there as he looks up at me through his lashes.

Whatever happened earlier, he's dying to know more.

"Humor me," he continues. "What were you thinking?"

I sigh, recalling the moment as if it's playing out in front of me.

I had been annoyed he looked at me pityingly, and I didn't want his comfort touches. The situation of me not being able to go home isn't ideal, nor do I like it, but I don't hate it.

"I didn't want your pity touch," I tell him plainly. "You felt sorry for me, yes? So I didn't want it."

His eyes spark with light and intrigue as he stands straighter. "Did you see anything around me? Like when you held all of us down when you were hunting?"

A flurry of movement behind me has me looking over my shoulder, seeing Carlisle and Eleazar standing in the doorway wearing matching expressions of excitement and curiosity.

I stand straighter, squaring my shoulders and clenching my jaw, trying not to snap at our new audience.

Counting to three in my head, I release the breath I had been holding, slightly fascinated that I hadn't had any reaction to holding my breath. There was no burning in my lungs, no gasping for breath. I'm just as I was.

It makes me wonder why I had held my breath in the first place … or released it for that matter. We don't need to breathe.

I guess some things are still so ingrained in our brains, it becomes a needless pattern.

Or I'm weird.

"No. I wasn't even aware I was doing anything like that at that time. When you touched me, I just wanted you to stop, and you did."

"Remarkable," Carlisle says.

"Astounding," Eleazar murmurs in agreement as the duo breezes into the room, coming to stand next to Edward.

"Edward, what did you feel?" Carlisle questions.

"Honestly? Like a puppet. I felt a … buzz in my head, right about here," he tells them, pointing to the left side of his head, just above his ear. "Then, it felt as if I was frozen and someone else was moving my arm."

"Fascinating," his father breathes, exchanging a look with Eleazar before glancing at me.

Immediately, I start shaking my head, feeling a dichotomy of emotions bubble up within me; on the one hand, I'm excited, while the other is full of irritating panic forming in my chest. "I didn't do anything!"

The pair immediately heads to the middle of the room, claiming the chairs in front of the fireplace.

"She could be telekinetic, but it doesn't quite fit everything," Eleazar starts. "She's a shield for sure since Edward can't hear her, and I wonder if Kate would be able to electrocute her—"

"Absolutely not!" Edward snaps, standing in front of me, lips pulled over his teeth in a snarl while his hands form claws at his sides.

A low, rumbling growl rattles in his chest, his black eyes darting between Carlisle, Eleazar, and the door rapidly.

Panic is momentarily forgotten, and I have to stifle a laugh at their almost-bored expressions as they regard him, just coming short of rolling their eyes as they take in his movements.

"Calm down, son," Carlisle tells him, holding a hand up in warning. "No one will do anything to her without permission; you know this."

Reaching up, I flick at his ear and smirk when he flinches away, shooting me a dark look over his shoulder.

"You're overreacting. I think I can take care of myself. Besides, I'm kind of curious if it would work," I muse, remembering Tanya's reaction to her sister's touch earlier.

As if she were waiting for the invitation, Kate appears at my side, a flutter of wind following after her. Garrett appears moments later, interest clear on his face, but there's also apprehension there too.

"Be careful what you wish for," Garrett warns, looking between me, Edward, and his mate, bemused. "Her voltage isn't an exaggeration."

I'm a little worried, I'm not going to lie; I hate the idea of pain, but I also know you can't run away from it. Everywhere in life, there's some kind of pain, whether it's physical, mental, or emotional.

Besides, despite my apprehension from this gift I have, I want to learn everything I can about it, so I don't accidentally hurt someone.

Maybe it'll help me with these strange emotions running through me.

"Okay," I say, taking a deep breath and holding out my arm. "I guess … go for it."

Edward moves closer as Kate reaches for me. She sends him a warning look, shaking her head and lifting her other hand in caution as electricity starts to crackle from her skin. He releases a low growl, his dark eyes wide and focused on every movement Kate is making.

"Calm down," I hiss. "I'm fine."

He huffs but does nothing more.

Slowly, Kate slides her hand around my wrist, a glimmer of white sparks glittering from her skin. To my surprise, I don't feel anything except a slight buzz, like a phone vibrating in my pocket.

After a moment, Kate removes her hand, looking impressed. "Huh. You didn't even flinch. That was a high voltage one too."

Edward growls again, looking displeased, but immediately quiets as I nudge him in the side, digging my elbow into his ribs. He scowls, rubbing at his side as he takes a step away.

"I can't wait until I'm in trouble. Can't wait to see how you react."

"You're a big boy," I reply. "I think you'll be just fine, but if it makes you feel better, I'll go all cavewoman on someone's ass and save your pretty face, okay?"

He rolls his eyes as the others laugh, turning his attention to his father and Eleazar. "She's a physical shield too," he remarks. "Kate's gift isn't mental."

I shift away from the woman in question, not trusting on whether or not she'll try to zap me again when I'm unaware.

She seemed all too eager to come up here and try her gift on me, so it wouldn't surprise me if she tried to catch me unaware.

The other more rational side of me realizes she's not doing any of this out of spite or meanness. She's only trying to help me and everyone else understand my gift and how it works.

Unfortunately, the only way to do that is to actually try some gifts out on me.

It's not the most thrilling idea, but it's better than guessing.

"True," Carlisle murmurs, his eyes intent on my face. "I wonder—"

Suddenly, a finger is pressed to the back of my neck, and I jerk away with bared teeth and a sharp growl erupting from my throat.

Kate holds her hands up in surrender, an apologetic expression painted on her features. "Sorry. I wanted to see if your shield was up all the time or if it came up because you were expecting it."

Edward takes a step forward but doesn't come any closer. He watches me studiously; his head cocked to the side.

He looks so much like Carlisle; it's a little scary, considering they're not related through blood.

Then again, venom could transmit traits just as much as blood does.

Of course, he has been living with him for quite some time, so he's bound to pick up something from him.

Internally rolling my eyes, I remind myself to focus on the situation at hand.

I can't lose it now.

"Did you feel anything?" Edward asks, curious. "Is that why you backed away?"

"No," I admit, shifting from foot to foot. "I don't like people touching me unexpectedly. But I thought she might do it again."

"Interesting," Carlisle says, tapping a finger against his chin before turning to Eleazar. "It could be—"

"Does that unexpected touching include me too?" Edward questions with a smirk.

"Especially you. Keep your hands to yourself, or you'll find yourself without one," I tease.

He huffs a laugh, rolling his eyes joining in conversation with father and friend, adding his own theories.

I had hoped he and I could sneak away to spend some time alone together, but I can see that won't happen anytime soon.

Although I suppose I could just tell Edward to come with me, but the idea of everyone knowing where we're going and why is a little too much for me.

Besides, he's already so engrossed in their conversation I don't want to disturb him. Plus, it would be good for me to have a little time to myself so I can be calm and quiet … and test out a few of my abilities without him watching my every move.

I turn, preparing to find something to do, only to see Kate and Garrett watching me passively.

"You'll get used to it," Kate informs me, nodding toward the trio of men currently discussing the possibility of what gift I possess. "Whenever Carlisle and Eleazar get together, they talk like this for hours. Sometimes days, especially when it involves someone they know or care about."

My eyes bulge at the thought of them sitting there for days, discussing me.

Lightly, Kate laughs, brushing a hand over my arm. I raise an eyebrow at the action, seeing the white glitter of her gift shimmering from her palm.

She shrugs unapologetically. "Don't worry about it. I highly doubt they'll sit there for days discussing your gift. They'll want to experiment too. Like me," she tells me with a cheeky grin.

Breathing a laugh, I shake my head. "Oh, great. That's just what I wanted to be when I was younger. A science experiment."

"I'm not that bad," Carlisle interrupts, a small smile playing on his lips.

"You're a step away from being a mad scientist," Garrett teases, rocking back on his heels and shoving a hand through his shaggy brown hair.

The movement causes several bracelets and necklaces to clink together in a mass combination of metal and plastic.

They remind me of James and Victoria; the pieces of jewelry they collected from their travels around the world.

I wonder if Garrett was a nomad at one point in time.

As if he's sensing my unspoken questions, he proudly shows off his jewelry, holding them closer for inspection.

"Like 'em? They're from my many travels throughout the years."

Humorously, Kate rolls her eyes, but I can see affection and love for him. "He'll talk for days about what he's seen and experienced," she tells me. "He's been around for a long time and seen countless things. Anything you can imagine, really. You'll hear them all, I'm sure, but not tonight." She fixes Garrett with a pointed look. "Come," she invites me, waving a hand toward the opposite side of the room. "Let's go sit over here. I would offer to go downstairs, but you're being closely watched."

I smirk, shaking my head. I know exactly who she's talking about, though it wouldn't surprise me if Carlisle and Eleazar were staring too … however, that tingling and the tight skin on the back of my neck tells me who is watching me closely.

"You're in the middle of a conversation, Edward. Pay attention."

Kate and Garrett snicker as Edward immediately protests.

"You don't know it's me! You might want it to be me, but it's not. It's okay, you know. You can admit your feelings."

I hum a reply, looking at him over my shoulder. "Mmhmm. It wasn't you? Then why are your father and Eleazar still talking, and you're not?"

He starts to reply but immediately snaps his mouth closed with a scowl. "Smartass."

Huffing a laugh, I shake my head and join Kate and Garrett in the opposite corner of the room, already engrossed in books.

Standing by, I watch, amazed, as they flip through the thick novels in their hands, their eyes quickly scanning over the pages in a matter of seconds. Within the span of a minute, they're both a quarter of the way through.

Suddenly, Kate gasps, her eyes darting to Garrett, who smirks at her knowingly. "I told you."

"But not that! I liked her … and it's still so early too." Her voice is sad, coated with disappointment and a little aggravation.

From one avid reader to another, I understand her viewpoint.

"Just wait. It gets better."

"Don't," she warns, pointing a lone finger in his direction. "Don't say another word."

Garrett raises a hand in surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it."

"Like when you spoil movies?"

He rolls his eyes. "You can't be mad at me for that. When does Hollywood get anything right, anyway?"

"When it says based on a true story, they do their research."

"Not that well. Trust me."

"If they got it completely right, there'd be too many questions."

"Who would know?" he argues. "Except the ones that have lived through it, then they'd have something to answer for."

She huffs, her eyes flitting to mine as she nods toward the empty chair adjacent to hers. "Sit. Pick out any book in the room. No one will mind."

"Even if I accidentally tear it in half?" I question, thinking of the items I've already ruined today.

"We wouldn't let you destroy a first edition or something rare. Those are locked away until you're in better control," she teases … or at least, I think she's teasing me.

It would surprise me if their rare and valuable items weren't locked away from my chaos.

Perusing the shelves, my fingers lightly skim over their spines, and I immediately pluck a novel on horror anthologies, being mindfulI don't need to use a lot of force to handle things.

Satisfied when it remains in one piece, I take the seat next to Kate and start reading.

To my surprise, I read the two introduction pages in less than ten seconds and eagerly turn the page because if I can read this fast, I'll read a ton of books in no time.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I'll see you soon.