Beyond Thirst

by Thirst Contest

This was beyond thirst. This was beyond hunger. This was only the beginning.

Contest entry for the Thirst Vampfic Contest

Title: Beyond Thirst

Summary: This was beyond thirst. This was beyond hunger. This was only the beginning.

Disclaimer: The author does not own any publicly recognizable characters herein. No copyright infringement is intended.

Perched on the limb of a five hundred-year-old spruce, the vampire sat. For the sixth day in a row, he had returned to the same location to watch the small, quaint house. His sanguine eyes gleamed as he observed one of the home's two occupants—an unremarkable girl whose extraordinary scent was slowly driving him insane. It had been over a week since Edward had first encountered her. At the time, it had taken everything in him not to drain her on the spot. It took every ounce of his control to flee and allow her to remain alive. But his strength had vanished as quickly as a vapor. And the very next day, he found himself contemplating her fate as he sat outside her home in the sleepy little town of Forks, Washington.

Edward Masen did not relish the life of a vampire. Unlike others of his kind, he obtained no pleasure in taking innocent lives for the sake of a meal. Over the years, he found a balance by relying on his gift. Using his telepathic powers, he carefully selected his victims, hunting the dregs of society. The solution provided him with not only sustenance, but also helped rid the world of its most repulsive inhabitants.

But ever since getting a whiff of the girl, he had become consumed with a never-ending fever. Consumed by the need to taste the sweetest nectar he had ever encountered. With the appetite of a monster and the conscience of a man, he found himself at war.

The battle of whether to spare the girl's life or to surrender to the ever-present darkness that resided within him waged on as he watched her prepare the evening meal. Drumming his fingers against the tree's rough, scaly surface, he lifted his chin and inhaled. The girl's ambrosial fragrance filled his nose. Clenching his fists, he groaned.

Heaven.

Hell.

Condemned to a life of eternal torment, Edward recognized thirst. But this was beyond thirst. This was beyond hunger. This was madness. Venom flooded his mouth as white-hot flames scorched the back of his throat. In an attempt to anchor himself, he grasped the limb as if its flimsy timber were any match to his superior strength. Concealed by the thick band of forest, he zeroed in on his prey. His eyes searched the soft lines of her youthful face, then trailed down the pale skin of her throat. He imagined sinking his teeth into the curve of her neck ... deep into her tender flesh as he savored her blood.

The loud shrill sound of the home's antiquated phone ringing snapped Edward from his stupor, and he observed the girl's father as he stood from the sofa to answer it. After a brief conversation, the man ended the call and entered the kitchen.

"I'm needed at the office. I should only be gone for an hour or two."

The girl wiped her hands on a dish towel. "But what about dinner? Everything's almost ready. I just need to make the salad."

The man looked at the casserole that sat on the counter and frowned. He patted her shoulder. "I'm sorry, kiddo. It's an emergency. Can you save me a plate? I'll eat as soon as I get home."

"Sure, Dad. Be safe."

"Always. See you later." After giving her a kiss on the cheek, he grabbed a jacket and left.

Once their exchange was over, Edward exhaled and closed his eyes. The reprieve had given him time to collect himself. Time to remind himself that the girl was part of a family. A daughter. Ankles crossed, he stretched out against the tree and relaxed as the girl continued with her task. Confident the monster was now under control, he smiled contently as he watched her chop lettuce. Perhaps he was stronger than he had originally believed ... maybe, the man would conquer the monster after all. But unfortunately, his self-assurance was short-lived. Because only a few moments later, with a careless slip of the knife, the girl sliced into the tip of her finger.

As soon as Edward saw the dark drops of the girl's blood ooze down her finger, all bets were off ... the monster prevailed. Every muscle in his body tensed as her aroma permeated the air. The girl's luscious scent enveloped him, taunting his entire being. Frantic to feast on her life's essence, he snarled and launched himself to the ground. Landing in a crouch, he sprang to his feet and raced into the darkness.

Running toward his target, the scenery of the surrounding forest faded into a blur. Led only by instinct, adrenaline rushed through him as he ducked beneath a hanging branch. Shifting direction, he sped through a clearing. When he came upon a small bolder, he leaped high into the air, but someone suddenly slammed into his side, crashing him hard into the moss-covered earth.

Edward lay flat on the ground. A female vampire straddled him with a leg on each side of his torso. Stunned by the abrupt attack, Edward hissed, baring his teeth. But as soon as his gaze met the female's golden eyes, he froze. All he could do was stare in astonishment.

Shaking his head to clear away the cobwebs, he pushed her aside and scrambled to his feet. The vampire moved to stand in front of him. "Uh-uh-uh," she said, wagging her index finger in his face. "You're not going anywhere, Bozo."

He knitted his eyebrows together. "Who are you?"

Placing her hands on her hips, she huffed. "I'll tell you who I am ... I'm your worst nightmare!"

Worst nightmare? Edward coughed to cover the laugh bubbling in his throat. Even with the scowl on her face, she looked as dangerous as a newborn kitten. Dressed in jeans and a tank top, she barely reached the top of his shoulder. Her long dark hair tumbled in waves around her feminine shoulders and framed her heart-shaped face. As he studied her, an unexpected bolt of yearning rocketed throughout him. He wondered if the tresses were as soft as they looked. Without thinking, he reached out his hand to caress a lock.

The female flinched and quickly smacked away his fingers. "What in the hell do you think you're doing? Haven't you heard of boundaries?"

Edward kneaded the back of his neck. If he were human, he would have blushed. What had caused him to behave in such an erratic manner? Raking his fingers through his hair, he stuttered, "S-sorry. I'm not sure what came over me."

"I'll tell you what came over you ... a case of dumbassitis." She crossed her arms against her chest.

A sheepish expression swept over his face. Eager to know what she was thinking, he attempted to read her thoughts. Met with silence, unease rolled through him, leaving him feeling off kilter. "Why can't I hear you?"

After looking at him as if he were the top-grossing act at a sideshow circus, she repeated her earlier statement using a louder voice.

Edward chuckled and ran a palm across his jaw. "No. That's not what I meant. My hearing is fine. I'm telepathic. I can read minds, but for some odd reason, I can't read yours."

She speared him with another glare. "So ... what? Are you suggesting there's something wrong with my brain?"

Edward tugged on his shirt collar and groaned. He had upset her again, and for some unknown reason, it distressed him. Not only was the vampire the first person immune to his gift, but she also caused him to react in unexpected ways. "No. Of course, not. I was just curious because this is the first time it's ever happened. I'm sure it's something on my end. You're perfect. I mean ... your brain is." Embarrassed by his ridiculous sounding outburst, he pinched his nose. What about this female had him behaving like a simpering schoolboy?

The vampire inspected her nails and said nothing. After a long beat, she gave a half shrug. "That's what I thought. Because if anyone's a dimwit in this scenario, it sure as hell isn't me. I mean, for fuck's sake, you're the one who has been tracking a little girl for over a week."

The girl. Spinning around, Edward glanced at the house. How could he have forgotten about her? And more importantly, why couldn't he detect her scent anymore? Lifting his nose, he took a long sniff of the air. Nothing.

The female watched him with an amused expression. Her mouth twitched, then she threw back her head and laughed until she snorted. "Oh, come on! Haven't you figured it out by now?"

Edward turned. His forehead puckered in confusion. "Figured out what?"

"Ugh. Seriously?" She rubbed her temples. "Now listen closely, I'm going to need you to rally those few remaining brain cells and work with me." Leaning forward, her eyes drilled into his. "You're not the only one with a gift, Bozo."

Pressing his lips together, he clenched his jaw. "My name is Edward. Will you stop with the insults? And what gift?"

A twinkle sparkled in her eye. "I suppose, since you asked so nicely." Flicking her wrist in his direction, she said, "But you must admit, with your red hair and clownish behavior, the resemblance is uncanny. As for the gift, I'm a shield. That's why you can't hear me or smell her."

He remained silent with a poker-faced expression.

"What?" she asked.

Folding his arms, he said, "When someone makes introductions, it's customary to reciprocate."

She rolled her eyes skyward. "My name is Bella. Happy?" Frustration laced her words.

"Bella," he whispered. Her name felt smooth against his tongue. He licked his lips, as if savoring its sweetness. He offered his hand and smiled. "It's a pleasure to officially meet you."

Studying his outstretched hand, she sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. "Sorry, but I can't say the same. I'm not a fan of predators who hunt children."

Edward gaped, mesmerized by her plump, rosebud mouth. So engrossed with her lips, it took him a moment to process what she had said. Once it registered, his stomach lurched. "But I don't ... I didn't."

Stomping her foot, a growl resonated from deep within her chest. "I don't like liars either, and you've been stalking poor, sixteen-year-old Bree Cheney for the past eight days. Face it, if I hadn't stopped you just now, you would have drained her dry."

Whoa. How did he ever compare this fierce creature to a defenseless kitten? If anything, Bella was more like a ferocious tigress. Recalling her words, he cocked his head. "Back up a minute. How did you know about her? Have you been following me?"

"Are you for real? You're upset because I've been following you. Isn't that a bit hypocritical? Of course, I've been watching you!"

Amazed that he hadn't sensed her presence the entire week prior, Edward realized the true power of her shield.

Pointing to the ground, she continued, "This is my turf, and Bree happens to be the great-great-granddaughter of a friend from high school." Bella poked him in the chest. "She's practically my family."

"I apologize." He raised his hands in defense. "I don't normally do this."

"Do what? Kill innocent people? Because judging by the color of your eyes, I call your bluff."

"No. You're right. I drink human blood, but I normally choose less than savory prey ... criminals and such. It's just this girl smelled so good." He scrubbed his face with the back of his hand. "I swear, I've smelled nothing like her before in all my existence."

Bella's eyes widened. "Il tuo cantante."

"Pardon?"

"It's an Italian expression," she explained. "Her blood...it sings to you. It's rare, but it happens. It happened to my brother." Bella pressed a hand to her throat. "I'm surprised you didn't drain Bree the first time you met her."

"I am, too." He yanked his hair. His eyelids fluttered shut. "I'm not a complete monster, or at least, I try not to be. Believe me, I've been fighting the craving with everything I have ... but tonight when she cut her finger—"

"You lost control," Bella whispered.

He nodded. "What about your brother? What happened with his singer?"

"Emmett wasn't strong enough." She lowered her lashes and frowned.

Her unhappiness left him feeling unsettled. He needed to soothe her. Placing a hand on her wrist, he squeezed. The brief touch sent a shock of warmth throughout his body. Energy buzzed from his head to his toes. Taken aback by the sensation, he asked, "What was that?"

Staring at her wrist, she opened and closed her mouth several times. "I have no idea what you're talking about, but enough with the questions." Backing away from him, she said, "Listen, stupidity isn't a crime, so you're free to go. But do us both a favor and don't come back." Without waiting for his reply, she fled into the woods.

As soon as she left, it felt as if his entire world had crumbled. Compelled by what he could only describe as a gravitational pull, he had no other choice but to follow. Pivoting in the direction she had left, he chased after her. Within seconds, he caught up to her. Beneath the rich indigo hue of the night sky, they ran all the way to the outskirts of town.

When Bella stopped at a stone cottage nestled near the end of a dirt road, he asked, "What is this place?"

"It's my home." Her voice held a note of resignation. Opening the door, she disappeared inside. When he followed, she spun around and grimaced. "I don't recall inviting you to join me."

To lighten the mood, he shot her a roguish grin. "Don't you know? That entire invitation thing is a myth."

The corners of her lips quirked into a tiny smile. "Ha. Ha. I think that only applies to that dude from Transylvania."

He chuckled lightly. "Touché."

Walking past him, Bella entered the adjoining kitchen and turned on the faucet to wash her hands. "Make yourself at home ... not that you'll wait for my permission anyhow," she called out over the sound of the rushing water.

"Don't worry; I wasn't planning on it," he teased. He strolled to the fireplace where a collection of photographs sat scattered along the mantle. Randomly choosing one frame, he looked at the image. Two vampires, a tall, lanky male and a petite female, were posed on top of what appeared to be the Eiffel Tower. "Is this the brother you mentioned earlier?"

"No. That's my other one, Jasper." She returned, positioning herself at his side. "And my sister, Alice, who is also his mate."

Edward swallowed the lump of emotion lodged in his throat. Hearing Bella refer to her coven members by familial terms caused his chest to pang with remorse. Once upon a time, he had a similar relationship with his own sire. But those days were over. Not allowing himself to dwell on his past mistakes, he placed the photograph back on the mantle and picked up a second one.

"That's Emmett and Rosalie."

He studied the snapshot of the burly male with kind eyes and the statuesque female. "Are they staying in the area as well?"

"Not yet. They'll arrive sometime next week. I came early to open up the two homes." Meeting his inquisitive gaze, she explained, "This is the guest house. The main living quarters are a quarter mile down the lane. Even though we reside as a family, I still like to have my own space."

Edward sympathized. He understood what it was like to live with a mated couple and couldn't imagine the difficulty of living with two of them. Taking a better look at the photograph, he noted their golden eyes. They were the same shade as Bella's. His mouth pressed in a hard line. "You're all animal drinkers."

She hummed in acknowledgement. "I wasn't sure if you knew."

He nodded. "I recognized your eyes as soon as we met."

Crossing the room, Bella grabbed another frame off the shelf of a bookcase. "It's silly, but we call ourselves vegetarians." She came back to where he stood. "Have you met many of our kind in your travels?"

"A few."

"My father." She handed him the image. "He taught us this way of life."

Edward's dead heart stuttered as recognition flared in his eyes. "Carlisle." Sadness clouded his features. The world seemed to be moving in slow motion. "I don't understand."

Bella sat on the sofa. A worried expression marred her face as she scrubbed her palms together. "Edward ... I haven't been honest."

He sat next to her. His eyebrows drew together in question. "What do you mean?"

"I already knew who you were when we met today. Actually, I've known about you since my transformation in 2005."

"But how? Why didn't you tell me?"

She shifted in her seat, then exhaled a long, frustrated breath. "I guess I should start at the beginning. Carlisle saved my life when I was a junior in high school. A van hit me while I was walking across the school parking lot. I would have died that day if Carlisle hadn't chosen to turn me."

Edward stood and paced around the room. Pausing, he cast her a suspicious look. "But that doesn't make sense. Carlisle never randomly changed his dying patients."

Her eyes darkened. "He saved you. Why not me?"

"That was different. He wanted a companion, and then he found Esme before I left." He walked back to the mantle and picked up the photograph of Jasper and Alice. "Are you telling me that Carlisle turned all of these people?"

Standing, she joined him. "No, not everyone. Rosalie was the first. She was dying as well, and believe it or not, Carlisle changed her, hoping you would return home. He thought she would make a good mate for you."

"What?" he asked incredulously.

A humorous glint sparkled in her wide, golden eyes. "Don't ask me. I'm not sure what he was thinking. You and Rose would definitely not be a good match. But Carlisle was desperate. Desperate for his son to return home, and he thought you left because you were lonely." She placed her hand on his forearm. "Is that why you left? Were you lonely, Edward?"

Instead of responding, he returned to the sofa. "And the others?"

Bella sat beside him, her knee almost touching his. "Emmett came along a few years later. Rose found him while she was out hunting. He was dying from a bear attack, but she knew he was her mate. Rose ran over a hundred miles home carrying a bleeding Emmett in her arms." She stopped to sigh. "Sorry. Their story always gets to me. It's so romantic." She continued, "Anyway, Carlisle changed him, and the rest is history."

A flicker of a smile passed his lips. He liked this softer, more vulnerable side of Bella. "What about Jasper and Alice?"

"They were already vampires when they joined the family. Esme said they just showed up at the house one day with their belongings and moved in." Bella laughed. "Alice has a gift. She can see the future. Once she found Jasper, she told him they were destined to live with the Cullen Family."

"Really? She's a soothsayer?"

"Incredible, isn't it?"

He nodded. "But that still doesn't explain your transformation."

"Why? Don't you think I'm special enough to warrant saving?"

Realizing he said the wrong thing again, he grasped his head and groaned. When he dropped his hands back onto his knees, his hair was sticking up in all directions, making him appear like a mad scientist. "Well, I-I-I—"

Interrupting him, she said, "Even though Carlisle gained four new children, he never stopped missing his first son."

Edward was listening with rapt attention, but he was still perplexed. Times like this, he wondered if his failure to understand females was due to the fact that he was no longer human or due to the fact that he was still in essence a man. "I'm sorry, but I'm lost."

She closed her eyes and mumbled, "Lord. You really aren't the crunchiest chip in the bag. I feel deceived. Carlisle has raved about your intelligence."

"What?"

"Never mind," she said with a sigh. "I told you about Alice's gift."

"Yeah…"

"Well, Alice saw I was special. Or I would be … one day ... to you." She hid behind her hair. "And that's why Carlisle saved me."

Edward's mouth gaped as understanding dawned. After all this time, he had given up on finding his mate. But here she was. And to top it off, she had been with Carlisle. Now he understood why it seemed as if his entire world had shifted on its axis. Why he had acted like a complete simpleton the entire day. A light switch had been flipped and everything was now crystal clear. It was because of her. Bella. His soul recognized the search was over before his brain did. Gently cradling her chin, he tilted it in his direction. "Alice was right. But you're so much more than special. You're everything. I'm just sorry that I didn't realize it sooner."

The wariness lifted from her face. "Thanks."

He dropped his hand and leaned forward to run his knuckles along her cheek. Heat cascaded through his ice-cold veins at the feel of her smooth skin. "Did Alice see me coming?"

She turned into his touch. "She's seen you a few times over the years."

"Why didn't you find me?"

"I didn't want to." The words tumbled from her lips like loose pebbles bent on disturbing still waters.

Hurt flashed in his eyes, and his hand fell to his lap. "I don't understand. Why wouldn't you want to meet me? Weren't you eager to meet your mate?"

Bella ran nervous fingers along the thin, leather cuff that wrapped around her slim wrist. "I wasn't exactly thrilled when I learned my mate was a murdering nomad who deserted his family."

Her words shattered him. But he couldn't blame her for not wanting anything to do with the mess of a life he had created for himself. "I wanted to come back, but the more time that passed by, the harder it became. I was too ashamed to face Carlisle. And if you only knew the unkind things I said to Esme."

"You know Carlisle as well as the rest of us. His forgiveness is undeniable. And Esme is far too compassionate to ever hold a grudge."

He nodded his head in agreement. "I know you're right. I have no other excuse than being a coward."

Bella placed her hand on his knee. "But you must know, I can't follow the same lifestyle you've chosen to live. That was the main reason I never pursued you. I didn't see the point in causing either of us heartbreak."

"But I can change." He stood, pulling her with him. Holding her face between his palms, he said, "I survived on animal blood for almost a decade. I can do it again."

"No, I can't ask you to do that. You can't change for me. Change for yourself."

"That's not how it works. Now that I've found you, I can no longer think of just myself. We're in this together." His imploring eyes searched hers. "Bella, you literally and figuratively knocked me off my feet today. Even before I realized you were my mate; I was inexplicably drawn to you. Please give me a chance."

Laying her head against his chest, she said, "It was the same for me. I know I've been a bit of a shrew today, but it was only because I'm scared shitless. You must understand that ever since my transformation, all I've heard about is how wonderful Edward is, and how incredible we will be as a couple. That's a lot of pressure."

He traced a fingertip beneath her chin, tilting her face to his. "It is, but more so for me. Like you said, I'm the dimwit in this scenario—the Bozo."

"You're not that bad...as long as you stay away from Bree." She arched a menacing eyebrow.

"I promise, I'll do anything to stay in your good graces. You're scary when you're angry."

"Damn right, I am."

"Even when you use a quote from a cheesy action film to threaten me. 'I'm your worst nightmare!'" he said in a teasing tone.

Pulling away, she smacked his chest. "Hey. For your information, I happen to like cheesy action movies."

"Well, we need to rectify that situation as soon as possible. Now, get back here. I'm not done with you." After lacing their fingers together, he became overcome with a sense of relief. He never experienced as much peace and hope in his life as when he was touching his mate.

Bella giggled, snuggling closer to him. "I didn't realize you had such a bossy side. The way Esme spoke about you, I thought you would be more docile."

"Maybe, I've evolved."

"What about the piano? Alice said you play as well as any classically trained performer. Is that true?"

"Yes."

"And are you really as smart as Carlisle says? Because after today, I have my doubts."

"Bella," he said with a groan. Stepping back, he laid two fingers against her lips. "Can we start over? Forget the past and get to know each other together?"

"That sounds nice."

"I agree. It does." He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his cheek against her hair. Burying his nose in her tresses, he inhaled her intoxicating scent.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?" He moved his hands from her waist and ran them along her silky shoulders.

"I felt it today."

"Felt what?"

"Us."

He smiled at her declaration. The touch of her skin against his triggered the same surge of heat throughout him. The phenomenon was as exhilarating as it was comforting.

Placing his hands tenderly on either side of her face, he brushed a kiss at her temple. The sensation was exquisite. He never felt anything like it before. Falling for Bella wasn't like falling at all. It was like walking into a house and suddenly knowing you're home. Meeting her gaze, his eyes grew darker. The fervent desire to taste his mate consumed him, but he knew he needed to be patient. Threading his fingers in her hair, he drew her closer, dropping soft kisses on her mouth.

When he finally tore his lips from hers, he nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck. "Thank you for giving me a chance. I know I'm a handful."

"Lucky for you, I've got two of these babies." Lifting her hands, she playfully wiggled her fingers. "I think I can manage."

Brushing one last, gentle kiss on her lips, Edward pressed his forehead against hers. "I couldn't agree more ... I'm incredibly lucky."

-The End-