A/N: Have you ladies/guys ever felt so tired? I am and therefore my update will be not as frequent as before. Also, would you hate it if I were to throw something new in the story (something not covered in the books or films)? Let me know so I could better shape the story. This fanfiction story has grown so big and so fast, I want to make it our story, instead of just something I would like to read. I want us to enjoy it. :)
It's snowing heavily and off to the distance, she can only see the colour white everywhere. The cold starts to bug her and she shivers. What is she doing here? She doesn't remember driving or even walking in this weather.
"Hi, pet," a husked and eerie voice startled her.
She turns around and sees her worst nightmare sitting on top of a snow covered rock. His eyes are as red as she remembers them. His voice alone makes her shiver. Everything in her shrinks. Her eyes scrambled to her left and right to find any familiar golden eyes around but all she sees is surfaces of white.
"We're all alone here."
"But you're -you're supposed to be dead!" Bella's voice trembled, giving away her fear.
He flashes her that dark grin, which shows his sharp teeth. "I am." In the blink of an eye, he appears in front of Bella, close but not touching. He tries to and as Bella closes her eyes, trying to minimise the pain she's about to feel, nothing happens. Peeking one eye, she sees the devil staring down at her.
"It looks like your shield is protecting you, once again. I am unable to physically touch you," he made notes.
She lets out a shaky breath and thank whatever divinity at work here. It might be beyond her understanding but she knows enough this 'shield' the vampires speak of has saved her countless of times.
"Where am I?"
"You conjured me. You should know better."
He circles her, as if plotting ways he could reach her. Bella remains unmoved for fear the shield would lose its effect. No one knows yet how it works. It may have indefinitely kept Edward away from reading her thoughts but there's no telling where James in concerned.
"Conjured? So this is a dream."
"Maybe. But curious isn't it? You summoned me instead of your beloved."
That is true. What could have spurred this? Does she have any control of this? That means she can end this horrible nightmare, right?
"Perhaps that is why. It's my words you fear," he continued.
Bella tries to ignore him and proceeds to close her eyes to wake herself up from this dream. This has happened before and she manages to reach out to her conscious mind. She just needs to focus! She tells herself to wake up but it remains futile. James is still here with her. Her failed attempts only bring humour to the hunter.
"We'll let you go now but we'll see you again. Until then pet."
He blows his breath against her face and that's when she's awake, all drenched in sweat. It's still dark out and she finds herself safe in her room. The creepy feeling only got stronger and she has this nagging feeling at the back of her mind. So she shoots a text to Irina and she arrives not a moment too soon.
From afar, Irina sees Bella pacing around in her room with a metal baseball bat in her hand. Irina figures she didn't pick up the Cullens' favourite game especially after what the game got her into? She approaches the window but not silently as to alert the human. Once those brown orbs see her, relief fills her and she opens the window to let her in.
"Isabella, are you alright? What's wrong?"
The moment she steps into the room, Bella jumps into her arms and takes a deep breath. "It's James. I dreamt about James." Hearing that Irina quickly holds her tight in her embrace while her eyes scan the room and the compound. There's no unknown vampire scent here. While holding her mate, she shuts the window tight but not before scanning the compound for any threat. If anything, she could only smell the bad stench of wet dogs and Charlie. She is safe.
She pulls Bella back to bed seeing the clock pointed to three and positions that Bella is on top of her. The human is shaken. She had heard Carlisle and Rosalie mention about this. It's her PTSD. The first time Irina witnessed her episode was when Belle was in the hospital. At that time, to prevent the nurses from coming in and raise suspicions of their covens, Rosalie had approached Bella calmly and held her close while whispering some words into her ears.
"I'm here. And Kate is out there too searching the area. Tanya's hunting now but once she's back she will patrol around the town. You're safe now, Isabella. We won't let anything hurt you."
Shaken Bela is surprised by the Denalis' action. She was so used to Edward's way of keeping everything a secret from her or brushing off her worries, she's not sure how to respond to being listened to. She didn't think they'd put the effort to survey the area let alone the town for any potential danger.
A surge of emotions pass by her and the yet again feeling of safety warms her at Irina's arrival makes her want to kiss Irina so badly. And she does, "Thank you."
Irina is definitely not expecting that. "What for my love?"
"For listening. For believing. I know it's just a dream but it felt so real. My skin literally had goosebumps when I awoke from the nightmare. And I could feel his breath on my face, I swear."
Feel his breath? No, it couldn't be. If what she is true then there is plenty to be worried about. But instead of adding more worry to the already pale human of hers, Irina decides to distract her instead.
So the vampire just smiles down at her mate in assurance, "Do you want to try and go back to sleep?"
"Will you please stay with me? At least just for tonight?"
"Wherever you want me, Isabella, there I'll be."
It's about thirty minutes later until the human falls asleep, once Kate shoots them a text saying there's no human or animals or vampires nearby. Rosalie had said she usually dreamt about that painful night so the fact that Bella said she dreamt about him could be a new occurance. If it's as what she suspected, then Bella's not truly safe then.
And she needs to discuss this with her mate and her sisters before it escalates. They had learned their lesson. Now's the time to prove they're different than their cousins.
Thanks to Irina, Bella sleeps wonderfully last night. No more trace of bad dreams. But now's the awkward part. Yesterday, she had given the Denalis an answer.
"If it isn't obvious enough, I do care about you Irina, since the day we met. But you have to understand given my troubled past, how overwhelming and difficult it is for me. Weirdly enough, I do want to be with you but my heart cannot simply trust so easily anymore."
The room fell silent. Alice had tugged Rosalie out to give the two some privacy. Tanya and Kate followed them out. Irina was frozen at hearing Bella's admission. She could always feel the emotions from Bella but it was strange to hear it in words.
"That's why it hurt so much to learn about Laurent."
Irina couldn't bear the pain dripping out of her mate and she held her by the chin, giving Bella ample time to stop or flee. But Bella didn't. Her eyes were still crystal, a hint of redness still lingered. There was hope, Irina saw it and she leaned forward to show her.
It was time. Bella wanted the truth and Irina was more than willing to give her. Cold lips pressed onto warm ones and electricity much like Kate's power sparked inside their chest. It had felt right this time. To Bella, Irina was gentle and soft and oh so wonderful.
When Bella released a moan she didn't know was there, it drove Irina crazy and she assaulted her lips with much more fervour, passion and love. It conveyed so much what Irina had been saying.
I love you. I love you. And I will always love you.
If the vampire could cry, she would have. Joy and happiness overtook her for the first time since she was turned. Bella's confession had done it for her; ignited hope. She understood now more than ever of Bella's fears, the things that were holding her back. She knew now that Bella was ready to love her and she had pushed away previously because she was terrified.
Renee had broken her. Charlie had, in some ways, disappointed her. Edward left her. Carlise had wanted to leave her and Esme chose her son over her.
She had lost almost everyone she loved.
Being able to identify this now made this a whole lot easier. She knew now how to navigate through Bella's ocean of fear, and understood how Rosalie became her best friend. Bella no longer trusted words, it was actions she needed. With this epiphany, Irina scooted forward and slided her arms around Bella's waist and pulled her onto her lap. Her kisses trailed down Bella's jaws and neck before fully stopping on her chest. She just held Bella and let her cry for hours.
Irina's taking her to school and after the two kisses they shared yesterday, Bella's nervous at the prospect of their farewell. Should she kiss her on the lips? Or a peck on the cheek? Give her a hug? A handshake? But would Irina even come down from the vehicle to send her off or would she remain in the car?
With Edward it had been easy because he did most of the decions and also because they actually go to the same school. Kate did suggest for Irina to suddenly enrol there but it would seem too odd and suspicious considering Irina hadn't been in high school since early of the year. But they had agreed to spend more time together and it was decided Irina would drive her to and fro, especially since her truck is still not fixed yet. She has a feeling Rosalie's delaying the repair work on purpose. Sending to Jacob is not an option seeing how he could smell the many vampires' scent around her. She is not ready to have that conversation again with him.
As if sensing her worries, Irina speaks first, "Isabelle, I know this could prove to be a difficult transition for you. So let's just keep it at a level you're comfortable with, is that okay?"
Her worries are all gone and she gives Irina a small smile, "Yes, that would be nice."
"Care to share what got you so worried earlier?"
"Erm.. I'm just not sure how to bid you farewell. That kind of stuff."
"Would it help if I stay in the car? And in terms of bidding farewell, just go with what you're feeling. Even a smile from you would make me happy, Isabella."
She smiles gratefully. This is easy. She thinks she could do this. Edward was always so demanding and controlling. Rosally was slightly pushy and can be very grumpy. With Irina she feels like her own person, every decision is hers to make, just like the Denalis promised.
"Maličký?"
"Hmm?"
"There is something we as a family need to discuss after school. Something pertinent to your dream."
Bella's heart drops.
"You're not gonna make me take those sleeping pills again, right? Those are horrible and I sleep good when.. Err, when you're around," Bella stuttered in the end. They both know what she wanted to say but Irina doesn't tease her.
"No, love. I would never. But I have some theories and although most of them aren't exactly good news, we still need to discuss all possibilities with my sisters."
"Oh."
She's definitely curious and more worried. But at the same time her heart is warm at Irina's honesty. So she nods and decides to postpone thinking about it later when the discussion begins. When they arrive at school and she sees Angela with her History text book, she immediately remembers her homework and absentmindedly kissed Irina's cheeks goodbye and ran out of the car to chase her friend.
Boy if Kate could see Irina now, she'd get teased terribly. So much for Bella's hesitation.
The Denalis rented a temporary house not too far away from the Swan's. Kate had insisted they get their own space as it grew tense at the Cullen's resident.
The place wasn't really up for rental during this time of year so of course, the Denalis gave an offer they couldn't refuse. Was there an NDA involved? You bet your ass it did.
"What is it with you vampires and big houses? Not enough space to run in?" Bella teased.
"After being stuck with one Edward Cullen, one can never crave too much space and freedom," Kate retorted and flopped herself down at the long couch, all within human's speed.
Irina is worried at the mention of Edward but since Bella didn't even flinch means she doesn't need to go over with Kate again on the Dos and Donts with her mate.
"You guys really don't have to slow down around me. It must be exhausting. Just do as you please."
Kate taking this as an invitation, in vampire speed, quickly jumps from the couch, runs past Irina and shocks Bella a bit by her fingertips before returning to her couch. Irina who's busy in the kitchen hears the ouch from her mate quickly appears and checking her mate before glaring at her sister.
"Real funny Kate. Do that again and I'd throw a stinky wet dog your way," Irina threatened.
"Oh relax, she hardly feels a thing thanks to her gift. Mine managed to slip thru hers because she let her guards down. Right, Bella?"
She misses this. Being treated not like a fragile item. Kate's magic only has little effect on her and it didn't even hurt. It was more of a shock than anything.
"Is it true I will be strong as a newborn? Then I can't wait to kick your ass right after I'm done with big old Emmett!"
Both of them naturally fall into a rhythm, like two children fighting over who's stronger. Irina smiles analysing Bella's words. She used will instead of if. Tanya returns many hours later when Kate is showing Bella some defensive moves she could use against human attackers.
Kate insisted it will help Bella gain more balance and trip less. Truth is, she's just preparing Bella for the crazy weekend plan she had planned for all of them. It has bern quite a wonderful plot for her after she learned Bella at one point turned into an adrenaline junkie. And well, yeah, she can't wait to teach her new sister all the warrior ways. Kate knows Bella's gonna love it! Unlike her sisters; Tanya was the most experiences and therefore preferred strategic moves while Irina prefers quiet but deadly approaches. Both were amazing in their own ways but Tanya grew tired of fighting and Irina was simply not interested. So now is Kate's chance to impart her knowledge and skills onto a willing student.
"Remember, humans have many weaknesses. So you must target their most vulnerable spots to gain maximum effect with minimum effort. It's their eyes, nose, throat and obviously groin."
Irina finds it so endearing that Bella pays close attention to Kate's lessons. She knows once Bella is turned, her sister would take her mate under her wing, training her to be a warrior.
"They call this the Hammer Strike where you use an object, preferably your car key or something sharp to attack. Hold your key ring in a tight fist, picture holding a hammer. Your fist should be of your eye level with your left arm up like a shield and you attack! Your arm should be at par with your shoulder to deliver the blow from your momentum."
After Bella manages to learn the move, Irina quickly holds her hand to redirect her attention to what they're supposed to be discussing. Tanya lights up the fireplace as they all notice the way Bella's starting to shiver. Irina tries to make space so Bella won't be frozen by her cold body temperature but the human's body reacts automatically and seeks the comfort from her mate.
"Tell us about the dream, Bella," Tanya started.
She takes a deep breath and recaps all she could remember about it. After she's done, all threw vampires wait for her next words.
"It had felt so real. I could even feel his breath on my face before I woke up. I'm sorry if it's just false alarms though," she said sadly.
Bella hates being a burden to others the most. When Tanya and Kate told her that they didn't find anything suspicious when they did their rounds that night, she feels her heart sink in. Would they think she's being a melodramatic queen?
"Don't be. We protect our family, Bella. This you must understand. We may not understand anything yet but my instinct is saying there is something there. Do you mind if we ask you a few more questions?"
The Denalis take turn trying to make Bella focus on clues she might have missed out earlier. The background of the dream, James' clothes, the way he spoke, etc...
"It might be all from my trauma," Bella smiled solemnly.
"Maybe. Maybe not. We'll find out. Since the dream did not occur whenever Irina is nearby, I think we should explore that theory. Have one of us alternate to accompany you while you sleep and figure out if it's the presence of a familiar vampire holds the dream at bay or if it's the mate bonding protecting you," Kate chimed in.
Irina wants to protest but then she understand if she does do that then they'll never figure out this situation.
"That sounds good to me. But, do you really not think it's just my psychological condition?" Bella bit her lips.
Irina looks at Tanya. They all agreed that they would only divulge Bella of this information if she asked about it. Now that she's pushing towards the direction, they'd have to tell her.
"Bella, very long time ago, we met a vampire who had the gift to control the sight of others. It was a very powerful gift and of course the Volturi recruited him. But he was far too dangerous, even for them. Because of that, the Volturi executed him, for he had become out of their control."
Bella listens tentatively, not understanding yet the relation between this story and her situation. Irina reaches out to hold her mate's hand to help ease the news.
"It means we can never underestimate any vampires out there and these gifts that some vampires have are something beyond our understanding. That night at the hospital, when you were thrashing about in your hospital bed, you said the word requim," Kate continued.
"Rosalie confirmed that it was the first time she heard you say it. And she told us all these while your constant nightmare was you reliving through the night when James attacked you. So, we thought nothing of it. But now, we're not so sure."
Irina rubs her mate's back soothingly, providing comfort and anchoring Bella. "What's your theory then?"
"We understand nothing about your gift. So it could either be your gift that triggered the dream or someone else's."
